The ankle is among the most commonly injured joint in the body. The entire weight of the body is supported by the ankle which makes it very vulnerable to injury. Each year, approximately 2 million patients are treated for ankle sprains and strains. Ankle fractures are also one of the most common injuries treated by orthopedists and podiatrists.

With all the ligaments, tendons, and bones that make up the ankle joint, there are many structures that can cause ankle pain and discomfort if disrupted. A few of the most common causes of ankle pain are listed below:

Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprains are one of the more common sports injuries. A sprained ankle results when the ligaments of the ankle joint are overstretched. This results in a small or complete tear to the ligament. The degree of tear is linked directly to the severity of the sprain. Most ankle sprains occur during sport events that include running, jumping, or walking. Pain will be experienced with any movement of the ankle joint or activity that requires weight to be placed on the ankle.

Achilles Tendonitis
In Greek mythology, Achilles was a Greek hero of the Trojan War. According to legend, his entire body was invulnerable, except for his heel. Today, the large tendon on the back of the heel is known as the Achilles tendon, after this Greek hero. Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury, meaning that repetitive use of this tendon results in little tears of the tissue. Over time, swelling and pain result. Discomfort from Achilles tendinitis is experienced in the back of the ankle. » Read more: Common Causes of Ankle Pain

Studies show that most patients who suffer hemiplegia after stroke have shoulder subluxation. With incidences higher in severely-paralyzed patients, shoulder subluxation is one of the most common secondary muscoloskeletal problems after stroke. Shoulder subluxation, nevertheless, can be treated in various ways.

Also referred to as instability, a shoulder subluxation involves the partial dislocation of the shoulder joint wherein the ball of the upper arm bone slips partially out of the shoulder socket due to spastic muscles pulling the humerus and shoulder blade into abnormal positions.

Treatment involves the use of heat or ice packs, pain medications, support devices, and shoulder strapping to reduce the pain plus various therapies like prolotherapy, closed reduction, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, electrotherapy, occupational therapy and muscle toning-strengthening exercises. » Read more: Treating Post-Stroke Shoulder Subluxation