While working out or exercising you may feel some level of discomfort or minor pain in areas of your body as your muscles and bones work against resistance. However, feeling sharp pains in your body can be the sign of an injury or other underlying medical condition. Experiencing pain or numbness in your ankles, for example, can be cause for concern that may require medical attention in some cases.
Sprains and Strains
One possible cause of pain or numbness in your ankle while exercising is an injury such as a sprain or strain. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, or the bands that attach muscle to bone. A strain is an injury to a tendon that attaches muscle to muscle. Overuse or trauma to your ankle joint, which contains both ligaments and tendons, can cause sharp pains in the joint or numbness.
Pinched Nerve
Another possible cause of numbness or pain is a pinched nerve. This condition is marked by pressure or improper body positioning that causes friction on a nerve stemming from your spinal cord. When this nerve becomes irritated, numbness in another part of your body -- such as your legs or ankles -- may result. Pinched nerves are typically harmless in the long run and can eventually alleviate themselves over time. In rare cases, however, surgical intervention is required to relieve a pinched nerve.
Diabetes
Other medical conditions can also cause problems in your ankles during or after exercise, including diabetes. Diabetes is caused by an insulin deficiency or abnormality in your blood stream. This condition can also cause improper blood circulation in your extremities, including your feet and ankles. As such, it is fairly common for diabetics to experience swelling, numbness or pain in the ankles.
Considerations
Prolonged periods of exercise or standing in an upright position can also cause swelling, numbness or pain in some people. Allow for periods of rest while exercising to limit your risk for ankle injury and to allow your blood circulation to return to normal levels. Continued pain or numbness in your extremities even after rest may require medical attention from your physician.
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