When most people feel pain in their ankle, they most likely suspect an ankle sprain. This assumption isn’t entirely without merit. After all, one medical study reports that more than 2 million acute ankle sprains occur every year. However, there are several other issues that could be the cause of your nighttime ankle pain.
What could be causing your ankle pain at night?
Physical therapists can help you learn what’s causing your ankle pain at night. This is possible because these specialists can perform a comprehensive assessment of your ankle. The results of this assessment can point to the most likely cause of your pain. Some of the issues that your therapist might uncover include:
- Plantar fasciitis — This condition occurs in a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is the name of this structure, and it’s often injured when excessive stress is placed on it by activities like running. Plantar fasciitis also causes pain in the heel that can be worse when you first get out of bed in the morning. It’s estimated that this condition leads to more than 1 million doctor’s visits per year.
- Ankle osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis can cause cartilage to wear out or become damaged, and it can affect any joint in the body, including the ankle. Researchers estimate that more than 3% of Americans have ankle osteoarthritis. This condition can cause the ankle to stiffen and become painful when you’re sleeping. These symptoms are likely caused by the ankle positions or lack of movement that occurs while you’re asleep.
- Peripheral neuropathy — Damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord is known as peripheral neuropathy. It’s estimated that 30 million Americans have some form of this condition. Often, this condition can cause you to wake up with pins-and-needles sensations in your ankle. It can also lead to burning pains in this joint.
- Achilles tendinitis — Tendinitis is a condition characterized by inflammation in the tendons, which are thick, cablelike fibers that adhere muscles and bones. Achilles tendinitis causes a pain in the Achilles tendon just above the heel. Often, this pain radiates to other parts of the ankle. Tendinitis is fairly common, causing more than 70,000 people to miss work each year, so there’s a chance it’s the source of your nightly ankle pain.
- Ankle bursitis — Bursitis occurs when your bursae — the small sacs of fluid that cushion and lubricate your joints — become inflamed. This can be the result of an acute injury or repetitive stress. Ankle bursitis can happen in any of the ankle’s tiny bursae, but it most frequently occurs in the heel or where the top of the foot meets the ankle.
How do I stop my ankles from hurting at night?
While you should consult a medical professional about your ankle pain, there are some steps you can take for temporary pain relief at home:
- Stay hydrated — Drink plenty of water to flush waste fluid out of your body that causes swelling and pain in your soft tissue. It also keeps your soft tissue soft and flexible so you can move more comfortably.
- Elevate your leg at night — Elevating your ankle helps drain any fluid collected in it, which can reduce swelling and relieve pain. If possible, sleep with your leg up on a pillow to keep it elevated all night.
- Stretch — One of the biggest benefits of physical therapy is that your specialist coaches you through therapeutic exercises intended to relieve tension and reduce pain. Some of these stretches, such as calf stretches and toe bends, can help to relieve ankle pain.
Peak Performance can help treat your nighttime ankle pain
You don’t have to continue dealing with ankle pain every night. Our physical therapy specialists at Peak Performance are primed to assist you with your ankle pain. Our clinics offer free screenings that can reveal the cause of your pain. With this cause in mind, we can then build you a personalized therapy plan designed to reduce your ankle pain.
Are you ready to start getting our help for your ankle pain? Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
- Ankle osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis can cause cartilage to wear out or become damaged, and it can affect any joint in the body, including the ankle. Researchers estimate that more than 3% of Americans have ankle osteoarthritis. This condition can cause the ankle to stiffen and become painful when you’re sleeping. These symptoms are likely caused by the ankle positions or lack of movement that occurs while you’re asleep.
- Peripheral neuropathy — Damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord is known as peripheral neuropathy. It’s estimated that 30 million Americans have some form of this condition. Often, this condition can cause you to wake up with pins-and-needles sensations in your ankle. It can also lead to burning pains in this joint.
Peak Performance can help treat your nighttime ankle pain
You don’t have to continue dealing with ankle pain every night. Our physical therapy specialists at Peak Performance are primed to assist you with your ankle pain. Our clinics offer free screenings that can reveal the cause of your pain. With this cause in mind, we can then build you a personalized therapy plan designed to reduce your ankle pain.
Are you ready to start getting our help for your ankle pain? Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
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