Why Did My Ankle Suddenly Hurt Without Any Warning?
Sudden ankle pain without warning signs may be caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, exposure to cold, or walking too much.
Causes of Sudden Ankle Pain without Warning Signs
1. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is mostly caused by chronic damage to the plantar fascia due to long-term walking, such as hiking, trekking, shopping, etc. Additionally, wearing shoes with too hard heels can cause compression on the heel, and frequently wearing high heels can also exacerbate plantar damage.
2. Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis occurs when the Achilles tendon experiences excessive pressure in a short period of time, leading to strain, minor bruises, or tears, and subsequently causing aseptic inflammation. This can be caused by repeated excessive stretching of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon during exercise. Additionally, suddenly increasing the intensity or frequency of exercise can also often lead to Achilles tendonitis.
3. Exposure to Cold or Walking Too Much
If the weather suddenly turns cold and one fails to properly warm their feet, or if one suddenly walks a lot without regular exercise habits, especially when wearing high heels, it can commonly lead to ankle pain.
How to Relieve Ankle Pain
1. Rest
Immediately stop exercising and take appropriate rest. Avoid putting any further weight on the injured joint.
2. Elevate the Affected Limb
The main purpose of elevating the affected limb is to reduce swelling and promote blood circulation. After 24 to 48 hours, when internal bleeding at the injury site has stopped, warm compresses or massages can be used to reduce swelling and promote the absorption of blood. When using warm compresses, make sure the temperature is not too high, the duration is not too long, and the massage is not too intense to avoid aggravating exudation, edema, or causing rebleeding.