Ankle Twists and Sidewalk Cracks: Ankle Issues While Jogging

Jogging is a low-impact exercise that can be done almost anywhere. However, even the most dedicated joggers can experience occasional ankle pain.

We at Podiatry Care, PC, and the Heel Pain Center understand common ankle issues and how jogging contributes to them. Today, let’s run with this topic to help you stay aware.

Common Ankle Issues for Joggers

  • Sprains: A sprained ankle occurs when ligaments are stretched or torn. This can happen due to a sudden misstep or uneven terrain while jogging. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight.

  • Achilles Tendonitis: The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Repetitive stress from jogging can irritate this tendon, leading to pain and inflammation, particularly at the back of the ankle and heel.

  • Peroneal Tendonitis: These tendons run along the outside of your ankle and help stabilize your foot. Inflammation of these tendons due to overuse can cause pain in the outer side of the ankle.

  • Plantar Fasciitis: This condition involves swelling of the tissue that supports the arch of your foot. Jogging on hard surfaces can put excessive stress on this tissue and cause heel pain.

How Jogging Contributes to Ankle Issues

The constant impact on your feet and ankles during jogging can strain the muscles, tendons, and ligaments over time, thereby increasing your risk of injury. Poor running form, such as excessive heel striking or inadequate ankle stability, can also put extra stress on your ankles and contribute to discomfort.

Running on uneven terrain is another risk factor, as it increases the chance of ankle sprains due to unexpected twists or rolls. In addition, significantly increasing your jogging distance or intensity too quickly may cause overuse injuries, as your ankles don’t have enough time to adapt.

Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team at Podiatry Care, PC, and the Heel Pain Center are here to alleviate your foot health issues. We treat a vast range of foot and ankle ailments and dedicate ourselves to helping Hartford County residents. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041. For an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.

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