Ankle Pain

If you have had a traumatic injury and have severe pain, you may require an X-ray. Symptoms suggesting a fracture are if you are unable to stand on the injured foot, the foot appears to be at a different angle to normal, and if there's significant bruising and swelling around the area.

Tight or badly fitting footwear and simple strains and sprains can be common causes of ankle pain, and these usually require only treatment at home.

Resting the foot, raising it up, and taking some simple pain relief such as paracetamol is a good place to start. If there has been an injury, an ice pack or bag of peas wrapped in a tea towel may provide some relief.

Your pharmacist is an expert and can recommend further treatments such as different painkillers, topical treatments or support for the injured ankle.

Most causes of ankle pain will improve with some self-treatment. If you still have pain that is not improving after two weeks then book a routine appointment with your doctor to discuss this.

You should seek more urgent medical attention if you have severe pain. If you are concerned you have suffered a fracture, or have had a high impact injury to your ankle, you will likely require an X-ray.

If you have severe symptoms such as numbness, weakness, fevers, or a break to the skin and have diabetes you should seek urgent medical advice from your doctor or 111.

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, your medical history, any relevant family medical history and what medications you take. They will examine your ankles, and potentially do other tests such as a blood test and possibly an X-ray.

If you attend a hospital, a doctor or nurse will examine you, and if there is a concern your ankle has is broken you will have an X-ray and various other tests. If a fracture is confirmed you will be advised of the best next step.