Find out the likely causes of that awful, stabbing pain in your ankle that comes out of the blue.
You haven’t broken your ankle; you haven’t even twisted it.
Yet every so often you get a sharp or stabbing pain in this joint.
Likely Causes of Sharp Pain in the Ankle that Comes and Goes
“Typically it is due to altered kinetics, i.e., may be abnormal forces transmitted through one extremity versus the other,” says Dr. Moshe Lewis, MD, board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
“Issues including weight and posture should also be addressed. We should investigate the anatomy of the feet and consider custom orthotics.”
Orthotics in this case are shoe insert devices that are custom molded to an individual’s foot shape, designed to redistribute forces and alignment for better comfort and elimination of pain.
Dr. Lewis continues, “The source of the pain has to be established and minimized before intense exercise.
“This could include a tendonitis, bone deformity, strained arch or even neuropathy.
“Typically, stabbing pain is thought due to the latter or a spur.”
Neuropathy means damage or dysfunction of the nerves.
It commonly affects the peripheral nerves, which are outside the brain and spinal cord.
This damage can lead to a range of symptoms, depending on which nerves are involved.
A bone spur, also known as an osteophyte, is a bony growth that forms along the edges of bones, often where bones meet at a joint.
Bone spurs may form in response to repetitive stress or injury.
They are typically smooth but can become rough and cause pain or discomfort if they impinge on surrounding tissues, such as tendons or nerves.
To get to the bottom of what’s causing sharp or shooting pains in your ankle, make an appointment with a podiatrist, a physician who specializes in foot care.
However, if you’re an athlete you might want to consider a sports medicine doctor, since sport may be behind the discomfort.
Dr. Lewis is the founder and CEO of Golden Gate Institute for Physical Medicine in CA, which provides education and clinical management of pain.
Lorra Garrick is a former personal trainer certified through the American Council on Exercise. At Bally Total Fitness she trained women and men of all ages for fat loss, muscle building, fitness and improved health.
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Top image: Shutterstock/Yuttana Jaowattana
