Ankle Pain, Stiffness, and Swelling: Causes and Treatment Options

Ankle pain, stiffness, and swelling are common symptoms that can make walking, standing, and daily activities uncomfortable. While some ankle discomfort may improve with rest, persistent or worsening symptoms may signal an underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.

If you are experiencing chronic ankle pain or repeated swelling, understanding the possible causes can help you seek appropriate treatment early.

What Causes Ankle Pain, Stiffness, and Swelling?

Several conditions can cause a swollen, stiff, or painful ankle. The most common causes include:

Ankle Arthritis

Ankle arthritis occurs when the cartilage within the joint begins to break down, leading to inflammation and pain. Over time, this can result in stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion.

Types of ankle arthritis include:

Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis)
Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune inflammation)
Post-traumatic arthritis (after a fracture or severe sprain)

Arthritis is one of the leading causes of chronic ankle pain in adults.

Ankle Sprains and Ligament Injuries

A sprained ankle can cause significant swelling, bruising, and instability. Even if an injury occurred months or years ago, incomplete healing may contribute to ongoing ankle stiffness and discomfort.

Repeated sprains can also increase the risk of developing arthritis later.

Tendonitis

Inflammation of the tendons surrounding the ankle can lead to swelling and pain, especially with movement. Overuse, improper footwear, or sudden increases in activity may contribute to tendonitis.

Gout

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid buildup in the joint. It often presents with sudden, severe ankle pain and noticeable swelling.

Infection or Inflammatory Conditions

Although less common, infection or systemic inflammatory diseases can cause ankle swelling and stiffness and require prompt medical attention.

Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

You should seek evaluation if you experience:

Persistent ankle swelling
Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
Pain that worsens with activity
Difficulty bearing weight
Decreased ankle mobility
Recurring ankle instability

Ignoring chronic ankle pain can lead to progressive joint damage and worsening mobility.

How Ankle Pain Is Diagnosed

A podiatric evaluation includes:

Physical examination of joint movement
Assessment of swelling and alignment
Review of injury history
Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays when indicated

Identifying the underlying cause is essential for creating an effective treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Ankle Pain and Swelling

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms.

Conservative Treatment for Ankle Pain

Many cases improve with non-surgical care, including:

Supportive footwear
Custom orthotics
Bracing for ankle stability
Anti-inflammatory medications
Activity modification
Physical therapy

Early treatment often prevents the progression of chronic ankle conditions.

Advanced Non-Surgical Therapies

Laser therapy may help reduce inflammation and improve circulation in affected tissues. While it does not reverse joint damage, it may provide symptom relief in certain cases.

Surgical Treatment for Chronic Ankle Pain

If conservative treatment fails and ankle pain significantly limits daily function, surgical options may be considered. Procedures vary depending on the diagnosis and may include joint stabilization, realignment, or ankle replacement fusion.

Surgery is typically recommended only after non-surgical options have been exhausted.

When to See a Podiatrist for Ankle Pain

You should schedule an evaluation if:

Ankle pain lasts longer than a few weeks
Swelling does not improve with rest
You experience repeated ankle injuries
Stiffness limits your ability to walk comfortably

Early diagnosis can help protect joint function and improve long-term outcomes.