Why do my ankles hurt? - Running

[MsWalterMitty]

I’ve kept away from running all summer due to a niggly left ankle. But over the summer it hasn’t really gone away, it’s particularly painful in the morn until I warm it up.... which made me think it was plantar fasciitis. But it’s specifically ankle pain, deep inside.

So although painful in the morn, it goes away for the day so I have tried running again this past week. Just a mile every other day. But my ankle pain kicks in again for the 1st part of my run, then it eases. Then an hour or so later is hurts again, particularly when stiff.

I feel like I’n never going to be able to run again!! 😫

Any advice? Insights? Thanks

What part of the ankle? Outer? Front? Back?

Plantar fasciitis is more foot pain.

Inner side of ankle, lower down below the bone sticking out. But feels deep on the inner side too

Yeah that’s why I’ve ruled plantar fasciitis out

Do you have decent running shoes? Have you had your gait analysed? Are they old or newish?

What kind of shoes are you wearing? Wondering if you’ve got support if you need it.

Always new shoes first with running problems. Get gait analysis and spend as much as you can!

Could be your tibial tendon. Tendon issues can last for years. I did the tendon on the outer side from running and three years on and one operation later it’s still not right. Best advice is go and see a decent physio (private) with an interest in sports/running.

@Wolfiefan

Do you have decent running shoes? Have you had your gait analysed? Are they old or newish?

I run off road mainly so have always used neutral trainers, such as inov8 or salomon. My current ones are 6 months old but not had much use... there’s Sportiva Mutants. I’ve started using a plantar relief inner sole but haven’t really noticed a difference when running... it helps for day to day though.

I’ve never had a gait a analysis.

I think I will spend money on a physio first. Thanks. Or a podiatrist??

@CovidCorvid

Could be your tibial tendon. Tendon issues can last for years. I did the tendon on the outer side from running and three years on and one operation later it’s still not right. Best advice is go and see a decent physio (private) with an interest in sports/running.

Sorry to hear that corvid. Do you still run?

I’m tempted just to accept defeat, but I do enjoy running!

No i don’t run and never will again. I’ve struggled to walk for the last three years and to be honest even if things improved dramatically I wouldn’t dare run. I’ve taken up cycling instead.

I did see a podiatrist who prescribed me expensive custom orthotics which didn’t help. The physio has been amazing.

It was the physio who originally diagnosed the problem but realised I needed a hospital referral. They also helped me push for surgery rather than be fobbed off. No nhs physio after major ankle surgery (it was more complicated than just the tendon) and if I hadn’t been able to pay for private physio I think I’d still be seriously limping /walking with a stick. Which is shocking really.

It doesn’t sound like PF. I had gait analysis done years ago. Place like up and running or similar name store. Neutral wouldn’t have suited me. Off road doesn’t mean neutral is best.

Go and see a sports physio or sports podiatrist. They will be best placed to work out what the issue is and give you some advice (and strengthening exercises) to help you keep running. The chances are that the pain in your ankle is as a direct result of something that is happening further up in the body. Don't accept defeat - someone out there will be able to help you keep running!

Definitely see a sports physio. My issue was plantar fasciitis and the massages, stretches and exercises my physio gave me (more than 2 years ago now) have made such a difference. I no longer need the sessions (I think I had five or six in total) but I still do the exercises every morning.

I think I will spend money on a physio first. Thanks. Or a podiatrist??

I'd really recommend and second the physio recommendation. THere's a lot going on in the ankle - several muscles & tendons insert around there - it could be a calf imbalance issue, or actually an ankle flexibility thing.

In the meantime, how does it feel when you do ankle rolls (10 going in wards, 10 going outwards), or deep calf stretches?

@KaycePollard

I think I will spend money on a physio first. Thanks. Or a podiatrist??

I'd really recommend and second the physio recommendation. THere's a lot going on in the ankle - several muscles & tendons insert around there - it could be a calf imbalance issue, or actually an ankle flexibility thing.

In the meantime, how does it feel when you do ankle rolls (10 going in wards, 10 going outwards), or deep calf stretches?

Thanks!

When I roll inwards my ankle clicks. Not outwards though. It doesn’t hurt atm when doing that due to being the end of the day... it will hurt doing it in the morn!

It hurts when I point my foot/toes upwards towards my knee.

No pain or issues when deep calf stretching or rolling. But I’ve never been able to touch my toes!

Your hamstrings might be tight and thus the ankle mobility is affected. I've had various niggles with hamstring strain, and also Achilles tendon tenderness, and tender knees (from impact road running during lockdown instead of the treadmill).

What is amazing is how the whole leg - from the hips/pelvis/lower back/glutes is all connected. So your ankle impingement might be connected with tight or strained hamstrings.

But I'm not a physio (ex-dancer & current gym bunny) so see a physio for a full assessment.

That makes a lot of sense @KaycePollard thank you

I've just seen a podiatrist and been diagnosed sinus tarsi syndrome - Google that and see if it fits? The morning pain and ankle rolling in, and the pain feeling deep - it could fit!

@TrueRefuge can I ask is your pain in the knobbly bit on the outside of your ankle? And if you stretch your toes up do you get pain?

As well as deep pain on the outside of my ankle I get pain across the front top of the ankle….kind of where it meets the foot. Used to be Worse in the morning and kind of ease off as my ankle warmed up. I don’t get the morning pain anymore though. Not sure I’d describe my ankle as feeling unstable either…..I mean it feels weak but not unstable.