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There are lots of causes of ankle pain. You can usually ease the pain yourself. But see a GP if the pain does not improve.
If you see a GP about ankle pain, they'll usually suggest you try these things:
rest and raise your ankle when you can
put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on your ankle for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
wear wide comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole
use soft insoles or heel pads in your shoes
wrap a bandage around your ankle to support it
try regular gentle stretching exercises
use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if needed)
do not walk or stand for long periods
do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes
You can ask a pharmacist about:
These might be signs of a broken ankle.
Ankle pain is often caused by exercising too much or wearing shoes that are too tight.
Your symptoms might also give you an idea of what's causing your ankle pain.
| Symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Pain, swelling, bruising, started after intense or repetitive exercise | Sprained ankle |
| Pain in ankle and heel, pain in calf when standing on tiptoes | Achilles tendonitis |
| Redness and swelling, dull aching pain | Bursitis |
| Sudden sharp pain, swelling, a popping or snapping sound during the injury, difficulty walking, ankle at odd angle | Broken ankle |
Do not worry if you're not sure what the problem is.
Follow the advice on this page and see a GP if the pain does not get better in 2 weeks.
If you have ankle pain, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.
To find out if there are any services in your area:
