Inner Ankle Pain Causes and Treatment | Foot & Ankle Centers DFW

Understanding Inner Ankle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Inner ankle pain can be more than just a minor annoyance—it can affect your daily activities, walking, and exercise. While the discomfort may start gradually or after an injury, identifying the cause early can prevent complications and improve long-term foot and ankle health.

At Foot & Ankle Centers in Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney, Dr. Tavakoli, Dr. Knapp, and Dr. Treleven specialize in diagnosing and treating ankle and foot conditions, helping patients regain mobility and reduce pain.

Common Causes of Inner Ankle Pain

Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
This condition occurs when the tendon supporting the arch of the foot becomes irritated or inflamed. Patients may notice swelling, pain along the inside of the ankle, or a flattening of the arch over time. Posterior tibial tendonitis is often linked to overuse, improper footwear, or sudden increases in activity.

Ankle Sprains
Even minor sprains can leave lingering pain if not treated properly. Many people underestimate these injuries, but untreated sprains can cause instability, chronic discomfort, and repeated ankle problems.

Nerve Entrapment
Nerve entrapment occurs when a nerve on the inside of the ankle is compressed, causing tingling, numbness, burning, or radiating pain. It can result from flat feet, inflammation, repetitive motion, or previous injury.

Arthritis
Ankle arthritis occurs when the joints wear down over time, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain. This condition develops gradually and can affect mobility and overall foot function.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Knowing when to seek care for inner ankle pain can make a big difference in recovery. While occasional soreness may be normal after activity, persistent or worsening pain could indicate an underlying condition that needs attention. Early evaluation helps prevent further injury and ensures the most effective treatment.

• Persistent pain that worsens with activity: Pain that doesn’t improve with rest or increases during walking, standing, or exercise.
• Swelling, redness, or warmth: Signs of inflammation or irritation in the ankle joint or surrounding tendons.
• Tingling, numbness, or burning: May indicate nerve involvement, such as tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• Difficulty walking, standing, or bearing weight: Could signal instability or more serious structural issues.

Other warning signs include changes in foot shape, weakness in the ankle, or pain radiating into the foot or calf. Seeing a podiatrist early can help identify the cause, guide treatment, and prevent minor discomfort from becoming a chronic problem.

How Foot & Ankle Centers Can Help

At all three DFW locations—Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney—our podiatrists take a comprehensive approach to ankle pain. Physical exams, advanced imaging services, and gait analysis help identify the root cause of discomfort, while Dr. Tavakoli, Dr. Knapp, and Dr. Treleven create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s condition and lifestyle.

Non-surgical options, such as physical therapy, orthotics, bracing, and anti-inflammatory strategies, are often effective in reducing pain and improving mobility. For cases that require additional intervention, minimally invasive procedures can address tendon or nerve issues. This approach ensures patients receive care designed to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent future problems.

Tips to Support Healing at Home

While professional care is essential, these steps can support recovery and reduce ankle stress:

• Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid movements that exacerbate pain until evaluated
• Supportive Footwear: Proper cushioning and stability reduce strain on tendons and joints
• Stretching and Strengthening: Gentle exercises for the ankle and foot maintain flexibility
• Ice and Elevation: Short-term ice therapy and elevating the foot reduce swelling and discomfort

Combined with expert care from at Foot & Ankle Centers these strategies can speed recovery and improve long-term foot health.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Seek prompt evaluation if you notice sudden swelling, inability to bear weight, severe bruising, or numbness in the foot. These could signal a more serious injury, such as a fracture or severe nerve compression, which requires immediate attention. Foot & Ankle Centers offers same-day emergency appointments at all three DFW locations. 

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Inner ankle pain doesn’t have to limit your life. Early assessment and targeted treatment can prevent further damage, reduce discomfort, and restore mobility.

At Foot & Ankle Centers in Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney, our team provides expert care for tendonitis, sprains, tarsal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and other ankle conditions. Schedule an appointment for personalized treatment plans, advanced therapies, and supportive guidance help you walk comfortably and return to the activities that bring you joy.