Causes of ankle bone pain

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There are a number of possible causes of ankle bone pain. It could be due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, a broken bone, a stress fracture, a severe sprain, an infected joint or rheumatic fever. It is recommended to seek medical advice for a prompt diagnosis and treatment.


Pain in the ankle bone could be caused by several forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is caused by the cartilage of your ankle wearing down. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease involving chronic inflammation and pain in many of your joints. Gout is a form of arthritis where high levels of uric acid collect in the joint. Treatment may be anti-inflammatory or prescription medications, and heat.

Broken Bone

If you have a broken ankle bone, you probably will not be able to put any weight on it. You should not attempt to walk on it, but should ice the swollen area and raise your leg. It can be diagnosed with X-rays.

Stress Fracture

A stress fracture may be a hairline fracture that will show up on X-rays. It is highly likely that someone is able to walk on it, but it will be painful.

Severe Sprain

Pain in the ankle bone may be caused by a severe sprain. It may be swollen and bruised, but a person can probably walk on it. Treatment requires elevating the leg, placing ice on it and wrapping it with an ace bandage to keep it from swelling further.

Infected Joint

Ankle bone pain, along with a fever and swelling, may be the result of an infected joint. If more than one joint is swollen it could be rheumatic fever. You should contact your physician as soon as possible.

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