Ankle pain can come in many different forms. It can feel dull or sharp, cold or hot, sporadic or persistent. Your pain can also radiate from different parts of the ankle, which can be a clue as to the cause of your pain. In many cases, ankle pain is localized around the outside part of the ankle.

If you’re experiencing pain on the outside of your ankle that won’t go away, physical therapy can play a crucial role in helping you find lasting relief. Treatments like hands-on manual therapy are designed to facilitate healing and pain relief. By learning more about some of the potential causes of ankle pain, you can stay informed as you look for a treatment option that works.

What can cause pain on the outside of the ankle?

• Ankle sprain — Does the outside of your ankle suddenly feel painful and tender? The cause could be an ankle sprain. Ankle sprains are a very common cause of pain around the ankle. According to one study, over 2 million ankle sprains are treated every year in United States and United Kingdom emergency departments alone. An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments that support the ankle are injured. Ligaments, which are bands of connective tissue, can be stretched or torn through sudden impacts or unnatural movements. Common ankle sprain causes include tripping, running on uneven surfaces and direct impacts to the ankle. If you’re feeling pain after falling and twisting your ankle, you may have sustained a sprain. Athletes engaging in high-impact sports tend to be at a higher risk for ankle sprains. If you’ve recently sprained your ankle, rest is essential. Make sure to avoid putting pressure on your ankle while you wait for it to heal. Physical therapy treatments like manual therapy can help speed up your recovery and alleviate your pain.
• Ankle fracture — Breaking a bone in your ankle can lead to significant pain that persists for a long time. After an ankle fracture, you may experience a range of symptoms including swelling, sharp pain and bruising. Medical attention is often required for ankle fractures. Medical professionals may advise immobilizing your ankle with a protective cast while it heals. As you work toward recovery following your injury, physical therapy can be beneficial. Through functional rehabilitation treatments, your physical therapist can help you regain the abilities you need to engage in your normal daily routine.
• Tendinitis — Tendons are fibrous cords of tissue that bind muscle to bone throughout your body. From enabling joint movement to absorbing impacts, tendons serve vital roles in the body’s functioning. Tendinitis occurs when these tendons become irritated or inflamed. This can lead to pain and stiffness, symptoms that often intensify during movement. Tendinitis affecting the tendons running along the outside of the ankle is called peroneal tendinitis. Peroneal tendinitis, like other forms of tendinitis, is considered to be an overuse injury. This means it is caused by sustained pressure and stress. Tendinitis in the ankle is often associated with repetitive high-impact motions like running. If you have tendinitis, rest and physical therapy can help you find relief. Physical therapy can be important for managing inflammation and reducing pain around the outside of your ankle.
• Bursitis — Noticing pain, swelling and redness around your ankle? These could be symptoms of bursitis. Bursitis occurs when the bursae around the ankle joint become inflamed. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that work to cushion bones and tendons around joints. In addition to absorbing shock, bursae also help reduce friction between the body’s various moving parts. These sacs can get inflamed through repetitive motions and persistent strain on the ankle. If you have bursitis, you may feel pain accompanied by a warm sensation around the outside of your ankle. You may also have trouble moving your ankle due to joint stiffness. Physical therapy can target bursitis at the source to help you find relief. Common treatments include targeted stretches. Working with your physical therapist, you can practice stretches intended to improve flexibility and reduce the pressure on your ankle bursae. 
• Nerve compression — Nerve compression occurs when other tissue presses against a nerve. Nerve compression can occur in nerves throughout the leg, but it’s especially common at the ankle. One of the most common kinds of nerve compression in the leg is called tarsal tunnel syndrome. The tarsal tunnel is a passage in the ankle that contains tendons and nerves. Through this passage, a series of nerves connect the foot to the rest of the leg and then to the central nervous system. The tarsal tunnel is similar in structure to the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Like the carpal tunnel, the tarsal tunnel can become inflamed or compressed. This causes the tunnel to press against the nerves inside. Nerve compression at the ankle can lead to symptoms including numbness, tingling and nerve pain. Nerves are often compressed or pinched due to an injury. If you’ve recently sustained an ankle injury, nerve compression could be a resulting complication. When it comes to addressing nerve compression, anti-inflammatory physical therapy techniques are one great solution.
• Chronic ankle instability — Does your ankle often give out or feel unstable while walking? If so, you may have chronic ankle instability. Ankle instability is typically caused by injuries such as sprains and strains. If you have an unstable ankle, you may have trouble with activities that require you to put weight on your feet. Pain and swelling are some of the most common accompanying symptoms. To prevent chronic ankle instability, it’s important to ensure that any ankle injuries heal properly. Working with a physical therapist can help you keep your recovery on track.

Why the outside of your ankle might be swollen

Ankle swelling can have many causes. After sustaining an ankle injury, swelling and bruising are common. Other conditions like bursitis can also involve some swelling. Swelling typically happens when soft tissue around the ankle is injured or irritated. It can also occur due to joint inflammation.

Arthritis, a condition characterized by joint inflammation, could be the cause of discomfort and swelling around the ankle joint. Arthritis symptoms are often the result of cartilage degeneration or an autoimmune condition. When it comes to treating arthritis, symptom management is crucial. Your physical therapist can help you keep your ankle pain and swelling under control.

Sinus tarsi syndrome is another potential cause of ankle swelling. This condition occurs when the space between the ankle and heel becomes irritated and swollen. Sinus tarsi syndrome can lead to balance issues and tenderness and pain on the outer ankle. In many cases, this condition is caused by injuries such as ankle sprains. If you have sinus tarsi syndrome, wearing supportive footwear and seeking physical therapy are two of the best ways to address your symptoms.

Lattimore Physical Therapy can help you find ankle pain relief

At Lattimore Physical Therapy, we do things “the Lattimore way,” which means providing compassionate, effective hands-on care to each patient. With a treatment plan tailored to your needs, we’ll help you each step of the way toward relief. Our expert team is committed to helping you succeed. With methods ranging from manual techniques to aquatic therapy, we’ll work with you to find a treatment approach that works.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment for your ankle condition.