When you finish walking a long distance, it's no surprise if your feet ache. But if your ankles and knees ache, that's not a welcome sensation at all. Assuming the pain wasn't sudden and sharp (which could indicate a sprain or strain), ankle pain can be caused by a few things that can be fixable. But consulting with a podiatrist to ensure you've found the correct cause is advisable.
It May Have Been Longer Than You Were Used to Walking
One cause is simply that you walked for a longer distance and time than you're used to. Even if you walk daily, say three or four miles, when you push that boundary without preparation, your ankles can start to ache from the stress. You might be fine walking for four miles, but that sudden eight-mile hike you and your friends went on could have been too much, even if most of it was flat. Rest up, and be careful the next time you go on a long walk. Work your way up if you think those longer walks are going to become a regular part of your life.
You May Have a Hidden Health Issue
It is possible that the pain is a sign of a hidden health issue that is now coming to light. Ankle pain can be a sign of arthritis or an injury to one of the ligaments/tendons in your foot and ankle. You could have a heel problem like plantar fasciitis, which is a type of inflammation. If the pain seems to occur more frequently or doesn't really go away even after resting, you need to see a podiatrist to figure out what's wrong. And if the pain gets worse, call a podiatrist for an appointment immediately.
You Might Need to Modify Your Shoes
Another potential reason is that your shoes may not have been up to the job. Not only do you need the right type of shoes for longer walks, such as athletic shoes, but the insoles have to provide enough support, too. And, if your feet pronate or supinate (roll too far to the inside or outside), your shoes could have uneven wear on the soles. Pronation and supination both place more stress on your ankles, even if the shoes are new. You may want to meet with a podiatrist to discuss how to correct your steps so that you're stepping evenly with both feet.
A podiatrist can evaluate your foot and ankle health and help you treat conditions ranging from short-term discomfort to chronic injury. If you've tried walking more and are having ankle problems, a visit to a podiatrist is the best place to start as you attempt to improve your foot and ankle health.
Share8 December 2022
After suffering a traumatic foot and ankle injury, I wasn't sure how to move forward. I wanted to make things right, but the issue was so significant that I needed surgery. After surgery, I was still struggling, so a friend of mine suggested working with a podiatrist in addition to my foot and ankle surgeon. It was an excellent experience, and it felt like I had truly made some strides in the right direction. On this website, I wanted to talk about how podiatrists can help you to get your feet fixed, and how making the right choices can significantly improve your quality of life.
