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Ankle pain is a very common reason people seek medical care and one of the leading causes of missed work, reduced mobility, and limits in sports and daily activity. The ankles take on lots of stress every day, from walking and standing to running, jumping, and navigating uneven surfaces. Research shows that ankle injuries and chronic ankle pain affect millions of people each year, and many individuals experience lingering symptoms long after the initial injury.

Ankle pain can interfere with walking, exercise, balance, and even simple tasks like going up stairs or standing for long periods. For some people, it also leads to fear of movement or repeated injuries.

The good news is that physical therapy is often one of the safest and most effective treatments for ankle pain, regardless of the specific diagnosis, as long as no serious “red flag” conditions are present. Through guided exercise, hands–on treatment, and education, physical therapy can reduce pain, improve strength and mobility, and help prevent future ankle problems. In many cases, it can also help patients avoid unnecessary imaging, injections, or surgery.

Most Ankle Conditions Affect Ligaments, Tendons, or Joint Mobility

The ankle is a complex joint made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage that work together to provide stability and movement. Because it must support body weight and adjust to uneven ground, the ankle is especially vulnerable to injury.

Most ankle pain is related to one or more of the following:

• Ligament injuries (often from sprains)


• Tendon irritation or overload


• Joint stiffness or instability


• Poor movement patterns or weakness higher up the leg

Problems in any of these areas can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, or a feeling that the ankle is “giving way.” Below are some of the most common conditions associated with ankle pain.

Five Common Ankle Conditions

Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain occurs when one or more ligaments are stretched or torn, usually from rolling or twisting the ankle. This is the most common ankle injury. Symptoms often include swelling, bruising, pain with walking, and instability. Without proper rehab, ankle sprains can lead to long–term weakness and repeated injuries.

Chronic Ankle Instability

Some people develop ongoing ankle instability after repeated sprains or incomplete healing. This can cause the ankle to feel weak, unsteady, or prone to “giving way,” especially on uneven surfaces. Chronic ankle instability often responds very well to physical therapy focused on strength, balance, and movement control.

Achilles Tendinitis (or Tendinopathy)

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. When it becomes irritated from overuse, sudden increases in activity, or poor mechanics, Achilles tendinitis can develop. Symptoms typically include pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle, especially in the morning or during activity.

Ankle Osteoarthritis

Ankle osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in the joint wears down, often due to previous injury or long–term wear and tear. Symptoms include stiffness, swelling, and pain with weight–bearing. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, physical therapy can significantly improve mobility, strength, and function while reducing pain.

Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and helps support the arch and stabilize the ankle during walking. When it becomes irritated or overloaded, it causes heel pain and stiffness that can affect how the foot and ankle move together. These changes can lead to ankle discomfort and difficulty with daily activities. Early treatment, especially stretching and physical therapy, will alleviate pain and restore normal movement.

Red Flags: When Immediate Care Beyond Physical Therapy Is Needed

In most cases, physical therapy is the best first step for managing ankle pain. Physical therapists are movement experts who focus on restoring strength, balance, and mobility through individualized care. However, certain symptoms may signal a more serious condition that requires prompt medical evaluation.

Be alert for the following red flags:

• Severe pain after a fall or traumatic injury


• Inability to bear weight on the ankle


• Visible deformity or suspected fracture


• Signs of infection (redness, warmth, fever, pus, or rapidly increasing swelling)


• Constant, unrelenting pain that does not change with rest


• Numbness, tingling, or loss of circulation in the foot


• Unexplained swelling or pain without a clear injury


• Known or suspected cancer with new bone pain

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your primary care provider or seek urgent or emergency care. But if no red flags are present, starting physical therapy early can improve recovery and reduce your risk for long–term ankle problems.

Take the Next Step for Your Ankle

Ankle pain is common, but it doesn't have to control your life or limit your movement. Most ankle conditions, from sprains and tendon irritation to chronic instability, respond extremely well to a structured physical therapy program. Physical therapy focuses on restoring motion, rebuilding strength, improving balance, and helping you move with confidence again.

If you just started experiencing ankle pain or have been dealing with pain for months, we strongly recommend contacting our physical therapy clinic today to schedule an appointment. A licensed physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation, explain what's contributing to your pain, and create a personalized plan to help you safely return to walking, exercise, work, and the activities you enjoy with less pain and more confidence.

References and Further Reading

1. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-95896-w


2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33789430/


3. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprained-ankle/


4. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/foot-and-ankle-conditioning-program/


5. https://www.jointsjournal.org/2024/09/30/management-strategies-for-ankle-sprains-a-narrative-review/


6. https://now.aapmr.org/ankle-foot-overuse-soft-tissue-injuries/


7. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0500/p479.html


8. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Management_of_Chronic_Ankle_Instability


9. https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/exercises-for-sprained-ankle/


10. https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12891-024-07655-z


11. https://jfootankleres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13047-023-00683-3


12. https://josr-online.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13018-025-06272-3