Do you feel pain on the inside of your ankle when you place your weight on it? Does it make walking, running, or jumping feel difficult and unpleasant to perform? Ankle pain can be tricky to address on your own, but with a diagnosis from a professional like a physical therapist, it can be made easier. Research estimates that anywhere from 9% to 15% of adults in the U.S. experience ankle pain. If you’re one of the many who find that they’re experiencing some sort of unidentified ankle pain, don’t let your ankle pain get the best of you. Read here to learn what the causes, symptoms and treatments are for you.

What are some of the most common causes of inner ankle pain?

There are several causes of inner ankle pain. If you’ve started feeling ankle pain that just won’t go away, you should see a physical therapist or other medical professional to diagnose the cause of your condition. It could end up being one of the following:

• Stress fracture — Stress fractures are a type of mini fracture that can occur in the bone from excessive overuse. Runners frequently experience this type of injury. When a stress fracture occurs in the medial side of the ankle, a person can experience inner ankle pain.

• Tendinitis — When the posterior tibial tendon in the ankle becomes inflamed, the result is tendinitis. Tendinitis can develop from overuse and traumatic injury. If you’ve recently noticed pain in the band of tendon that connects the arch of your foot to the bottom of your calf muscle, you could be dealing with tendinitis.

• Chronic ankle instability — Chronic ankle instability is a condition that affects about 25% of people in the U.S. The number is even higher in people who have a history of at least one ankle sprain. This condition can make a person more likely to experience their ankle “giving out” because of its instability.

• Inner ankle sprain — Ankle sprains are a common type of injury. They often result from sports activities and physical activity. Inner ankle sprains can make walking and performing other activities feel painful. People who experience one or more ankle sprains are likely to be vulnerable to future ankle injuries.

What are the symptoms of inner ankle conditions, besides pain, that might require attention from a physical therapist?

There are more symptoms than just ankle pain that may indicate the presence of an inner ankle condition, for example:

• Swelling in the ankle and foot.
• Tenderness or soreness to the touch.
• Skin discoloration.
• Warmth around the area of the injury.
• Trouble walking or using the ankle without discomfort.

How can physical therapy help a painful ankle?

Physical therapy can provide the following benefits:

• Improve muscle strength in the ankle.
• Increase range of motion in the ankle.
• Reduce pain and swelling in the ankle.
• Correct your gait.
• Make sure you’re wearing the right foot support.

Is inner ankle pain stopping you from doing your daily activities? Lattimore PT can help

Lattimore Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation Network started in 1992. John and Cindy Shuman, husband and wife, first launched their own physical therapy practice intending to improve the quality of life of each community member. Since 1992, Lattimore PT has opened dozens of different locations across New York.

Our team of licensed physical therapists across the state is dedicated to understanding the best treatment for you. We specialize in taking a “hands-on,” interactive approach with each of our patients to provide them with the best care possible. We aim to make each physical therapy session enjoyable yet productive. Are you ready to experience “the Lattimore way”?

Allow our team to address your ankle health concerns in a professional yet compassionate environment. At Lattimore PT, we do our best to make sure that you can get started on the road toward recovery and relief. You’re not just another diagnosis when you come to our clinic. Each patient deserves help. Let us be the ones to give you that help.

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