Top of ankle pain

Hi all

am a runner and have had a heavy feeling on top of my left ankle.

it is fine when running, but stiff the morning after.

range of movement is not as good as the right ankle. when standing with feet shoulder width apart, and parallel, my right knee moves approx 1 inch further towards my toes than my left ankle does (the problem ankle)

i first though rough it could be ANterior talofibular ligament but I would know about it.

its been on and off for approx 3 months now

an ideas or suggestions for me?

Thanks

mark

Hi Marky, Do you have access to a physio / therapist who can manually treat the ankle? I can't be sure of a specific diagnosis but there is obviously a restriction in the left ankle joint which could be caused by many things. typical reasons I have seen include the talo-crural joint itself which would require some form of mobilisation, typically a PA of the calcaneus. Could be your inferior or superior or both tibiofibular joints which may need mobilisation, or there could be a soft tissue block, most likely soleus (tightness just above your Achilles) which may need releasing or just stretching. How are you testing your range is it through weight bearing dorsi-flexion (knee to wall test)?, if so, do you feel any stiffness anywhere? Longer term I would look at your gait pattern, often something as simple as correcting your gait pattern in real time with someone giving you queues can help to integrate the correct muscles to improve lower limb control. Hope some of this helps even if it is a bit vague! Ben

There are several causes of pain on the top of ankle. It may be a stress fracture of a metatarsal bone. There is frequently swelling in the area and it is painful to the touch. I would suggest you to consult an ankle expert.

Pain of sudden onset without the occurrence of injury on the ankle may be a stress fracture of a metatarsal bone.
Treatment consists of stretching the calf muscles, oral anti-inflammatory medication, functional orthotics and occasionally surgical exploration. So, you must consult a doctor soon.