Common Causes Of Ankle Pain

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

The tarsal tunnel is located inside the ankle, beside the ankle bones. It's a narrow space covered by one ligament that maintains and protects the structures inside. Inside the tarsal tunnel are nerves, tendons, arteries, and veins. When there is squeezing or compression on the posterior tibial nerve, which is found in the tarsal tunnel, this leads to tarsal tunnel syndrome. The syndrome can be caused by any conditions that cause compression to the nerve. These include swelling, flat feet, injuries, and systemic diseases like diabetes. Tarsal tunnel syndrome typically comes with numbness, shooting pain, tingling, or a sensation like an electric shock.

Tenosynovitis

Tenosynovitis is also called tendon sheath inflammation. The tendon is a fibrous tissue responsible for connecting bones to muscles. Tendons are necessary for helping individuals with actions like lifting, grasping, jumping, and running. They allow control over an individual's muscle and skeletal movements. The tendons are covered with a protective sheath called the synovium, and inside the sheath is synovial fluid, a type of fluid that allows for tendon lubrication.

When the tendon becomes injured, the sheath may malfunction. If the sheath doesn't make enough fluid or fails to make fluid at all, it will cause swelling and inflammation. Such a condition is known as tenosynovitis. Tenosynovitis is most likely to occur in individuals who perform repetitive motions with their feet or hands. When it occurs in the ankles, it leads to ankle pain.