Why do I have ankle pain after running?

Some research suggests that ankle pain has a national prevalence of 12%. That rate of prevalence is likely to be even higher in those who are runners. Running, especially when performed with improper technique and footwear, has the potential to cause injury. Running injuries can occur not only from improper form but also from repetitive motions. It’s estimated that in runners, injuries have a prevalence rate of about 30% to 80% each year. Of these percentages, about one-quarter of them are related to ankle injuries that cause pain.

If you’re one of the many who experience intense discomfort in their ankle or foot after running, take a look at the information provided below.

What are the symptoms of ankle pain?

Ankle pain can present itself in many ways. The term “ankle pain” references the general occurrence of pain or discomfort in or around the ankle region. Pain can feel like stiffness, swelling, tenderness, tingling, and aching to name a few examples. Ankle pain can also range from minimal to severe. Some people experience minor discomfort, while others may feel light-headed or even nauseous from their pain.

What are some conditions that can cause ankle pain after running?

There are several conditions that can cause serious ankle discomfort after running. Take a look at some of the examples listed below, and determine if any of these conditions sound like what you might be dealing with. If so, it may be a good idea to visit a physical therapist’s clinic for guidance.

• Stress fracture — Stress fractures are one such cause of ankle pain after running. Small fractures in the bone can result from overuse and repetitive stress. If a person with a stress fracture doesn’t give themselves enough time to recover, they risk making their fracture worse.
• Tendinitis — Inflammation of a tendon can also be behind ankle pain. There are several tendons located in the ankle and legs, which can become inflamed with overuse or abnormal movements.
• Strain or sprain — A strain or sprain to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments can cause ankle pain after running. If you’ve recently gone for a run and twisted your ankle or landed on an uneven surface, this may be what is causing your pain.
• Arthritis — Chronic joint inflammation can cause pain in the ankle joints which may be felt while running. Interestingly though, regular physical activity can help reduce stiffness and pain in the joints caused by arthritis.

How can physical therapy help someone who has ankle pain after running?

If you’re experiencing ankle pain after running, you may want to consider seeking treatment. One such type of treatment is physical therapy. You can read more about how physical therapy may benefit a runner with ankle pain listed below.

• Increase circulation to an area of injury — Physical therapy can boost circulation around the area of an injury, like an ankle injury that occurs after running. Circulation can encourage blood flow to an area and help speed up the healing process.
• Decrease build-up of scar tissue — Scar tissue can build up over time around an area of injury and make it hard to move comfortably. A physical therapist can help break up scar tissue around the ankle and improve mobility and range of motion while running. 
• Improve pain levels — Another benefit of getting physical therapy for your ankle pain that occurs after running is that it can help your pain levels. Physical therapists can use a variety of exercises and movements to reduce inflammation and improve pain. 
• Help with balance and gait — If your ankle pain that occurs after running is affecting your balance, a physical therapist can work with you to retrain your gait. That way, you may begin to experience less pain in your ankle, feet, legs, knees, and even hips. 

Don't delay getting physical therapy treatment any longer. Alliance PTP wants to help you find treatment for your ankle pain after running as soon as possible

At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’re proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. 

Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that’s close to you and that can help you address that uncomfortable sensation you experience after running. We feel confident that we can help you get back to your running routine and decrease your pain or discomfort.

Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform. 

Come find help for your injury or chronic condition today!