Ankle injuries are common among people who frequently walk or run for exercise. Uneven ground or misplaced steps can easily cause the ankle to turn, but even the constant impact of the foot against the ground can place stress on the foot and ankle and lead to injury. This can lead to pain and discomfort of varying degrees in the ankle, and a common symptom is tightness that restricts your ankle's range of motion. Although this tightness can develop through the use of a treadmill, this machine can also be useful in its rehabilitation.
Other Symptoms
Tightness in your ankles is often accompanied by other symptoms that can help you determine the cause and exact location of the injury. Inflammation of the muscles and/or tendons is very likely. You may experience tenderness in these locations in addition to tightness, and attempts to stretch the joint may be painful or cause a burning sensation. Swelling is also a strong possibility, and the increase of blood and other fluids to the joint can restrict its movement and make your ankle feel tight.
Possible Injuries
A minor tissue injury may lead to inflammation and tightness in the ankle--this is an injury that should improve over the course of a few days. It is possible that you have sprained the ankle due to a misplaced or slipped footstep, and a stress fracture can also occur, particularly if your ankle is not used to the amount of stress you are placing on it through exercise. If your condition is chronic, you could be suffering from arthritis in the ankle joint, which can decrease your range of motion in the joint and make it feel tight.
Treadmill Effects
Any common running injury can still occur on a treadmill, but the rate of occurrence tends to be lower than it is on rough or hard ground. This can be attributed to the surface of the treadmill, which often features a nylon or synthetic belt that is softer on impact than streets and sidewalks. Many platforms can also provide more give than outdoor surfaces, placing less stress on the ankle. You can often work through tightness that is caused by isolated minor injuries if you take proper care of your ankle and run carefully on a treadmill.
Considerations
In extreme situations, swelling in the lower extremities, such as the lower leg and ankles, could indicate a more serious medical issue. If you are experiencing chest pains or shortness of breath, visit an emergency room immediately and report your symptoms. In non-emergency circumstances, you may want to look at the padding provided by your shoes--poor or worn out soles may increase the stress and trauma absorbed by your ankle, leading to tightness. Getting new shoes or using insoles may improve comfort and allow your ankle to heal.
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