There are several possible causes of ankle pain, but if the pain lasts more than three days or there is swelling, injury or another underlying medical problem is most likely the cause. Knowing what symptoms to look for can help determine the possible cause, but with pain that lasts a week, contact a doctor.
Sprain
The most common cause of ankle pain is a sprain of the ligaments in the ankle, according to the Mayo Clinic. A sprain is the result of the ligament being overly stretched or, rarely, the ligament being torn. It is usually the result of the ankle being rolled inward excessively, which stretches the lateral ligament. A sprain is graded on a level from one to three, with three being the most severe. Other symptoms besides pain can include swelling, difficulty putting weight on the ankle and, sometimes, bruising. A sprain can be treated at home, until a doctor's appointment is made, with rest, ice, compression and elevation, commonly referred to as the RICE protocol.
Fracture
A less-common cause of pain is the cracking or breaking -- referred to as a fracture -- of the ankle bones. A fracture is caused by any one of several forms of trauma and involves one or more of the three bones that make up the ankle -- the tibia, fibula and talus. Besides pain, symptoms of a fracture can include immediate and severe pain, bruising, swelling and tenderness around the area of the ankle. It usually causes pain to put any weight or pressure on on the ankle that is fractured. The ankle can also be deformed if the break is severe. The RICE protocol is also appropriate for a fracture of the ankle. Ankle fractures happen to 184 per 100,000 people per year, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Other Causes
There can be many underlying causes of ankle pain that result from other conditions, in particular some form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common culprits. Osteoarthritis is caused by degeneration of the cartilage of the bone from use and usually occurs after middle age. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease and can affect multiple joints in the body. Both forms have pain in the area of the joints as a symptom. According to the Mayo Clinic, other causes of ankle pain are gout, Achilles tendinitis or tearing of the Achilles tendon. Some medications can also cause swelling and pain in the ankle. Ill-fitting footwear can also lead to ankle pain and deformities, especially if worn over a period of time.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Ankle pain that is extreme and has been lingering for a week should definitely be seen by a qualified physician. A physician will palpate the ankle and do an x-ray if injury is suspected or to verify there is a break or strain due to another cause, such as arthritis. Treatment will depend on diagnosis, but the RICE protocol can be followed at home until your appointment time. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can offer pain relief for an injury and some forms of arthritis.
