There are many causes of ankle joint pain. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health or NIH, ankle joint pain involves discomfort in one or both ankles and may be accompanied by ankle swelling and bruising, along with an inability to bear weight. The NIH says ankle joint injuries or conditions can affect the ankle's tendons, cartilage or nearby blood vessels. Ankle joint pain may also be caused by foot, knee and even hip conditions.
Ankle Fractures
According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons or ACFAS, an ankle fracture is the partial or complete break of an ankle-related bone. The ankle is one of the most common locations for fracture, and ankle fractures are often caused by a rapid, forceful inward or outward ankle roll. It's common for a person to mistake an ankle fracture for an ankle sprain, although the two injuries are often markedly different in their severity and prognosis. If a person experiences ankle trauma, it's important that she is properly diagnosed as soon as possible. A proper diagnosis by a qualified health care professional can lead to appropriate treatment, which in turn can speed a person's recovery. The ACFAS notes that ankle fractures and ankle sprains sometimes occur simultaneously. Common symptoms associated with ankle fractures include pain at the fracture site, an inability to bear weight or walk and significant diffuse or localized swelling around the involved area.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
The Sports Injury Clinic website says the tarsal tunnel is a passage for nerves--including the posterior tibial nerve--and other structures. The tarsal tunnel is located just below the bony prominence or medial malleolus on the inside edge of the ankle. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is an entrapment neuropathy, in which the posterior tibial nerve is compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel. According to the Sports Injury Clinic, tarsal tunnel syndrome can be caused by numerous factors, including ankle joint osteoarthritis, diabetes, tenosynovitis, ankle overpronation or excessive inward rolling of the ankles, talonavicular coalition or an abnormal linkage of two tarsal bones, or a cyst in the tarsal tunnel. Common symptoms associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome include the following: pain and tingling in and around the ankles and toes, feet swelling, hot and cold sensations in the feet and ankle pain with running or standing for prolonged periods.
Achilles Tendinitis
According to the National Institutes of Health or NIH, Achilles tendinitis is inflammation, irritation and swelling of the Achilles tendon--the thick tendon that links the calcaneus or heel bone with the calf muscles. Achilles tendon inflammation is often caused by repetitive overuse of the tendon or arthritis, although it can also manifest following ankle trauma or infection. Walkers, runners, basketball players and athletes in other sports that require running and jumping have a greater risk of developing Achilles tendinitis, the NIH says. Arthritis-related Achilles tendinitis is more common in middle-age and elderly people. Common signs and symptoms associated with Achilles tendinitis include the following: heel pain with walking or running, an Achilles tendon that's tender to the touch and an Achilles tendon that's warm or swollen.
