Numerous conditions can cause chronic or long-term ankle pain. According to the Dynamic Chiropractic website, chronic ankle pain that's secondary to an ankle sprain is common. However, other medical conditions and injuries can cause chronic ankle pain too. Chronic ankle pain can be caused by any of the tissues in or around the ankle, including bones, ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves or blood vessels.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause chronic ankle pain. According to the Sports Injury Clinic website, tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve becomes compressed or entrapped as it passes through the tarsal tunnel. The tarsal tunnel, which is located just beneath the medial malleolus, or the bony bump on the inside aspect of the ankle, is a narrow passageway through which the posterior tibial nerve, along with several other structures, runs on its way to the foot. This syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs in the wrist. Common signs and symptoms associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome include burning ankle, heel and foot pain; pain in the affected area when running; tingling in the sole of the foot; and tenderness under the medial malleolus. Although the exact cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome is unknown, fractures, bone spurs, benign tumors, muscle impingement and certain foot deformities may play a role.
Degenerative Joint Disease
Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, can cause chronic ankle pain. The Foot Health Facts website states that degenerative joint disease can manifest in many joints throughout the body, although the disease tends to target the feet, hands, knees, hips and spine. In the foot, degenerative joint disease can arise in the big toe, mid-foot or ankle. Degenerative joint disease involves the wearing down of joint cartilage over time, usually due to repeated stress and muscle imbalances. Common signs and symptoms associated with degenerative joint disease of the ankle include pain and stiffness in the ankle, swelling in or around the involved joint, difficulty walking and reduced ankle joint active range of motion. According to the Foot Health Facts website, ankle osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, which means that it usually gets worse over time.
Achilles Tendon Bursitis
Achilles tendon bursitis can cause chronic ankle pain. According to the Sports Injury Clinic website, Achilles tendon bursitis is a common cause of chronic ankle pain among athletes, especially runners. In some cases, Achilles tendon bursitis may be mistaken for Achilles tendinitis---a separate condition in which the Achilles tendon is inflamed. Achilles tendon bursitis is a condition in which the retrocalcaneal bursa---a small, jelly-like sac that lies between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone in order to decrease friction between the two structures---becomes inflamed following repeated trauma. Common signs and symptoms associated with Achilles tendon bursitis include pain at the back of the heels that's made worse with running uphill or on soft surfaces, tenderness and swelling in the affected area, and a spongy feeling when the back and sides of the heel are pressed.
