Ankle pain can be a major cause of discomfort, especially when it affects the inside tendons. Inside ankle tendon pain is sometimes referred to as medial ankle pain. This symptom is often caused by injuries to the tissue that surrounds the inner side of the ankle. However, it can also come from less obvious underlying conditions. Tendon pain can range in sensation and intensity. A sharp or burning feeling is common. The pain might spread from the tendon to the foot and upper ankle. This can make addressing the symptoms early a top priority. As the pain continues, it may become more intense and disruptive. If your condition worsens through swelling or irritation, you might feel pain in a broader area. Inside ankle tendon pain can have many different causes. This makes understanding where it comes from important. To ensure that you receive effective targeted care, it can help to understand some possible causes of your inside ankle tendon pain.

Common causes of inside ankle tendon pain

• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is an inflammatory condition. Having inflamed tendons on the inside of your ankle can lead to chronic pain. Tendinitis can be caused by overuse, disease and infection. This condition commonly occurs when a tendon is strained due to repetitive movements. Tendinitis pain often comes with swelling and stiffness. If you are experiencing tendinitis, physical therapy can be an effective treatment solution; targeted PT exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the ankle. Physical therapy can also improve your flexibility, which can reduce inflammation. You can work with your physical therapist to develop a program of gentle strengthening and stretching exercises. These can alleviate your inside ankle pain and improve tendon health.

• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) — PTTD is a condition that affects the foot and ankle. As a progressive disease, PTTD can weaken and damage the tendon that supports the arch of your foot. This often leads to flatfoot, which can cause pain in the foot and ankle. Physical therapy aims to address new imbalances in the foot’s structure with strengthening techniques. Restoring strength and flexibility to your foot can help make your PTTD manageable.

• Ankle sprains — Sprains are a common cause of ankle pain. These painful injuries are often caused by a sudden twisting or rolling motion of the ankle. A sprain occurs when the ligaments that support your ankle joint are stretched or torn. An ankle sprain can cause immediate swelling and limit your mobility. After an ankle sprain, making a full recovery is crucial. Physical therapy can play a role in promoting healing and managing your pain during recovery.
  
• Nerve compression — Also called entrapment, nerve compression can lead to pain and discomfort in the ankle. This condition occurs when a nerve is pinched or irritated. If you are experiencing nerve pain around your ankle, your tibial nerve may be compressed. The tibial nerve is a nerve that runs from the leg down into the ankle. When this nerve is compressed or damaged, it can lead to a condition called tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS). To address this condition, hands-on physical therapy can be an effective treatment option. A physical therapist can use manual therapy techniques to alleviate swelling and tension around the ankle. This can help relieve the pressure on your tibial nerve. Physical therapy techniques are designed to address the underlying causes of pain. The result of this strategy can be long-term relief from your symptoms.

• Arthritis — Arthritis can affect the ankle joint, causing stiffness and limiting your range of motion. There are different kinds of arthritis that can cause ankle pain. Osteoarthritis, one of the more common kinds, can occur due to wear and tear around the joints. While specific arthritis treatments can vary based on a patient’s condition, physical therapy tends to be helpful. Physical therapy can offer gentle joint mobilization and pain-relieving modalities. These treatments can help manage your arthritis and improve your ankle joint health.

Lattimore Physical Therapy can help address your inside ankle tendon pain

Inside ankle tendon pain can come from a variety of causes. At Lattimore Physical Therapy, we can help identify and address the source of your pain. We take the time to understand your needs so that your treatment plan is targeted and effective. Our team of expert physical therapists can provide a range of treatment techniques to help ensure that you receive top-quality care.

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