Why do my ankles hurt so much when I wake up in the morning?

Ankle pain is extremely common. Research estimates that 1 in 5 people will experience pain in their ankles at some point in their lives. 

Pain in your ankle when you wake up in the morning can seriously put a damper on your day. Whether it be due to a condition caused by a sudden injury or even something that developed over time, there can be a lot of different reasons your ankle hurts. 

4 reasons that someone might feel ankle pain when they first wake up in the morning

• Ankle sprain — The most common type of ankle injury is an ankle sprain. This injury usually occurs when you twist or roll your ankle in an abnormal way. If you’re experiencing ankle popping due to a sprain, learn how PT can help.

• Osteoarthritis — If you have osteoarthritis, the cartilage between your bones wears down with age and causes the bones to grind against one another. This condition is usually accompanied by stiffness. 

• Tendinitis — If you have inflammation in your Achilles tendon, it can make your affected ankle feel extremely sore. If you’re feeling pain on the side of your ankle, it could be a symptom of tendinitis.

• Fallen arches — The arches in your feet can become damaged with age, weight or for other reasons. The arches fall when your tendons are injured, and it can sometimes cause pain in the feet and ankles where the tendons run through.

If you have been waking up with persistent ankle pain in the mornings and rest, ice, and pain relievers still aren’t doing the trick, you should consider seeing a physical therapist. They can help alleviate the pain you currently have and strengthen your ankle to help prevent future pain or injury.

Make an appointment with us today to find relief for your ankle pain

It can be difficult to deal with ankles that hurt when you wake up in the morning, but luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way. The physical therapists at Peak Performance Sports and Physical Therapy can help you on your path to recovery. 

If you or your loved one is struggling with ankles that hurt when you wake up, please don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.