What Causes Sudden Ankle Pain Without Injury?

Ankle pain refers to discomfort, soreness, or inflammation experienced in the ankle joint, which is the joint connecting the tibia bone and the talus bone. The ankle joint also includes the fibula bone and several ligaments, tendons, and muscles that support the joint’s movements.

Although there are many causes of ankle pain, such as sprains or fractures, ankle pain can have causes due to underlying conditions, and can come on suddenly. A study involving over 18,000 participants aged 55 and older found 86% self-reported foot and ankle pain, but sudden ankle pain can strike those of any age.

Learn more about what conditions can cause ankle pain to come on suddenly and how to protect your feet and ankles in the future.

Although arthritis is a common cause of sudden ankle pain without injury, there are several causes related to other conditions:

Flat Feet/ Fallen Arches

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, can cause sudden ankle pain due to the altered biomechanics of the foot and ankle. Normally, the arch of the foot provides shock absorption and stability when walking or running.

When the arch collapses, the foot cannot distribute weight evenly, and the ankle joint may be subjected to excess stress, leading to pain and injury. Several factors can cause sudden ankle pain in flat feet:

• Overpronation: People with flat feet tend to overpronate, which means that their feet roll inward excessively when walking or running. This can cause the ankle to twist and turn, leading to sudden ankle pain and even ankle sprains.

• Stress fractures: The altered biomechanics of the foot and ankle in flat feet can also increase the risk of stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bones of the ankle. Sudden ankle pain can occur when a stress fracture develops.

• Plantar fasciitis: Flat feet can cause the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, to become stretched and inflamed. This can lead to sudden ankle pain, particularly when standing or walking.

Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition that can cause sudden pain in many areas of the body, including ankle pain. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and lubricate joints, muscles, and tendons. When bursae become inflamed, it can lead to bursitis, which can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.

The most common type of bursitis in the ankle is retrocalcaneal bursitis, which occurs when the bursa between the heel bone and Achilles tendon becomes inflamed. This can cause sudden ankle pain, particularly when walking or running.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that can cause sudden ankle pain in several ways. Scleroderma causes the body to produce too much collagen, which can lead to skin thickening and hardening, as well as damage to internal organs, blood vessels, and joints.

Additionally, Raynaud’s phenomenon is a common symptom of scleroderma, which causes the blood vessels in the hands and feet to narrow and spasm in response to cold or stress. Raynaud’s can cause sudden ankle pain, particularly if the blood vessels in the ankle are affected, leading to decreased blood flow and tissue damage.

Scleroderma can also cause calcinosis, which is the formation of calcium deposits in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is also associated with lupus. Calcinosis can cause sudden ankle pain if the calcium deposits become inflamed or infected.

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is a condition that occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, becomes inflamed. This can cause sudden ankle pain that is typically located just above the heel.

The Achilles tendon is one of the largest and strongest tendons in the body, and it is responsible for supporting the body’s weight during activities such as running, jumping, and walking. When the tendon becomes overused or overstretched, small tears can develop, leading to inflammation and pain.

Fortunately, there are many treatment options for sudden ankle pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Another easy way to ease ankle pain is by practicing “RICE.” RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

• Rest: Resting is an important part of treating sudden ankle pain because it allows the injured tissues to heal. When you rest, you avoid putting any additional stress on the affected area, which can further aggravate the injury and delay healing.

By limiting activity and movement, you can also reduce inflammation and pain in the ankle. Resting can mean different things depending on the severity of the ankle injury. For minor ankle injuries, such as a sprain or strain, resting may involve avoiding any activities that put weight or pressure on the ankle, and keeping the foot elevated to reduce swelling. For more severe injuries, such as a fracture, immobilization with a cast or brace may be necessary to allow the bone to heal properly.

• Ice: Icing is also a common treatment for sudden ankle pain because it can help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area. When you apply ice to the ankle, the cold temperature causes blood vessels in the area to constrict, which reduces blood flow and slows down the inflammatory response. This can help reduce swelling, pain, and stiffness in the ankle.

• Compression: Compression can be helpful for sudden ankle pain, especially if it is caused by a sprain or strain. Compression works by applying pressure to the affected area, which can help to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain.

Wrap the ankle with a compression bandage or elastic wrap to reduce swelling and provide support. Be sure not to wrap it too tightly, restricting blood flow.

• Elevation: Elevation is a useful technique to treat sudden ankle pain, especially if an injury or inflammation causes it. Elevating the affected ankle can help to reduce swelling and relieve pain by reducing the amount of blood flow to the area.

To use elevation for sudden ankle pain, you should lie down with the affected ankle elevated above the level of your heart, ideally for 20-30 minutes at a time, a few times a day. This can help to reduce swelling by allowing gravity to pull fluids away from the affected area.