Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staff

The ankle joint is made up of bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. The ankle joint is strong enough to bear body weight and move the body, but it can be painful when injured or affected by illness.

Ankle pain may happen on the inside or outside of the ankle. Or it can be in back of the leg along the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon joins the muscles in the calf to the heel bone.

Mild ankle pain often responds well to home treatments, but it can take time for the pain to ease. See a healthcare professional for serious ankle pain, especially if it comes after an injury.

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Feb. 21, 2025

See also

  1. Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis)
  2. Avulsion fracture
  3. Broken ankle
  4. Reactive arthritis
  5. Sprained ankle
  6. Integrative approaches to treating pain
  7. Nutrition and pain
  8. Pain rehabilitation
  9. Self-care approaches to treating pain
  10. Ankle sprain