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Ankle Pain

The ankle joint is formed between the lower leg bones (Tibia & Fibula) and the Talus bone. It is the junction between the foot and the leg.

Functionally, it is a hinge type joint that allows upward and downward movement of the foot.

Ankle pain and minor ankle injuries are common and can often be managed at home. There are several things you can do to help. If you have just had an injury:

  • Take it easy for the first 48/72 hours, but keep gently moving the ankle
  • Put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a towel on your ankle for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
  • Use pain relief, such as paracetamol, but avoid Ibuprofen for the first few days

Go to you local Emergency Department or Minor Injuries Unit if:

You heard a snap, crack or pop noise at the time it happened
You are unable to stand or walk on it
Your foot ankle or leg has changed shape

Remember, it can take at least 6-8 weeks to recover from an ankle sprain, but if its not starting to improve after 2 weeks, seek medical advice.

For many people their ankle pain comes on gradually, with no specific injury. This can be caused by:

Normal age related changes
The job or sports that you do
If you have previously had an ankle injury
The way you walk or run
 

There are also many different causes of general ankle pain, which include:

Osteoarthritis – normal age related changes to the ankle joint
Soft tissue changes – to the tendons and ligaments that support the ankle
 

Take a look at the Patient Information Leaflets relating to Ankle Pain.