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432 Paseo Reyes Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32095
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Ankle Pain: Causes, Treatment, and When to Get It Checked

Foot and ankle pain shouldn’t slow you down. If your ankle hurts, swells, or feels like it might give out, you don’t have to guess what is wrong or wait for it to go away on its own. Here is a plain look at what causes ankle pain, what you can do about it, and…

Person seated and holding a painful ankle with both hands, illustrating ankle pain evaluation and treatment at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Eastern Florida in St. Augustine, FL.

Foot and ankle pain shouldn’t slow you down. If your ankle hurts, swells, or feels like it might give out, you don’t have to guess what is wrong or wait for it to go away on its own. Here is a plain look at what causes ankle pain, what you can do about it, and when it is time to get it checked.

What Causes Ankle Pain?

The ankle is a complex joint. Bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and nerves all work together to carry your weight with every step, so a problem with any one of them can hurt. The most common causes are:

  • Sprains: Stretched or torn ligaments, usually from rolling the ankle
  • Fractures: One or more broken ankle bones, often caused by a fall, twist, or impact
  • Tendon problems: Irritation or tearing of the Achilles tendon or the tendons on the outside or inside of the ankle
  • Arthritis: Wear and tear, or inflammation, in the joint, which can cause stiffness and aching
  • Chronic ankle instability: An ankle that keeps rolling or giving way, often after earlier sprains
  • Nerve problems: Pinched or irritated nerves, which can cause burning, tingling, or numbness
  • Overuse: Too much activity, too soon, or worn-out shoes
  • Other conditions: Gout and other inflammatory problems can also cause sudden ankle pain and swelling

Where It Hurts Matters

The location of your pain can point toward the cause, and it is useful information to bring to your visit.

  • Outside of the ankle: Often a sprain, or a problem with the tendons that run along the outside of the ankle
  • Inside of the ankle: May involve ligaments or the tendon that helps hold up the arch
  • Back of the ankle or heel: Often involves the Achilles tendon
  • Front of the ankle: May be related to joint irritation or impingement
  • Deep inside the joint: May suggest arthritis, cartilage damage, or a fracture

A sprain and a fracture can look and feel very much alike, so don’t try to diagnose it by yourself.

What You Can Do at Home

For a mild injury or a flare-up, simple steps can help in the first few days:

  • Rest: Cut back on the activity that hurts, and stay off the ankle as much as you can
  • Ice: Apply ice for short periods to help with swelling
  • Compression: Use a wrap or brace for support
  • Elevation: Keep your foot raised above heart level when you can
  • Supportive shoes: Switch to shoes that hold your foot and ankle steady

If the pain is improving each day, you may be on the right track. If it isn’t, don’t keep pushing through it.

When to Stop Guessing and Get It Checked

Make an appointment if:

  • You can’t put weight on the ankle, or walking is very painful
  • The ankle is badly swollen, bruised, or looks out of shape
  • The pain hasn’t improved after several days of home care
  • The ankle keeps rolling or feels unstable
  • You’ve sprained the same ankle more than once
  • You have numbness, tingling, or burning
  • The pain has been there for weeks, or it wakes you at night

Go to the emergency room if a bone is visible through the skin, the foot is cold, pale, or numb, or you have severe pain after a serious fall or accident. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, don’t wait for any new ankle or foot problems.

What Happens at Your Visit

We keep it simple. Dr. Tamburino will ask how the pain started, where it hurts, and what makes it better or worse. Then he will examine your ankle and foot, check your range of motion and stability, and look at how you walk. X-rays or other imaging may be recommended when they will help confirm the cause or rule out a fracture. Before you leave, you will know what is wrong, what your options are, and what to do next.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause, and most ankle problems start with conservative care. Depending on your diagnosis, that may include:

  • Rest and activity changes
  • A brace, wrap, or walking boot for support
  • Physical therapy or a home exercise program for strength, motion, and balance
  • Supportive shoes or custom orthotics
  • Anti-inflammatory measures, as appropriate
  • Other in-office treatments for specific conditions

Surgery is considered when a fracture needs to be repaired, when an ankle stays unstable despite proper treatment, or when conservative care hasn’t worked. If surgery is the right option for you, we will explain it clearly and answer your questions before you decide.

Experience That Counts

Dr. Tamburino has more than 26 years of experience, is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS). He completed a residency with the VA, spent 25 years in private practice, and served in the Navy Reserve, retiring as a Commander. You are getting a physician who has seen a lot of ankles and knows what to do about them. The practice offers personalized care in a brand-new, state-of-the-art office.

Easy to Get In, Easy to Understand

If your ankle is keeping you from work, exercise, or just getting around comfortably, schedule your appointment with Dr. Tamburino with Foot & Ankle Specialists of Eastern Florida in St. Augustine today.