What might cause ankle pain specifically during running?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Ankle pain while running is often caused by common injuries such as sprains, Achilles or peroneal tendonitis, and stress fractures. Overuse, improper footwear, weak stabilizing muscles, and uneven running surfaces can all contribute. Identifying the specific cause is essential for effective treatment, faster recovery, and preventing long-term damage.

Because ankle pain can stem from many overlapping conditions—some minor, some serious—guessing the cause can delay proper care. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your pain and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what causes ankle pain when running Discover if your ankle pain needs care Find out what’s causing running ankle pain See OTC options for ankle pain relief Find an ankle pain sports medicine doctor Understand home remedies for ankle pain Check if ankle pain needs urgent care

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Explanation

Ankle pain while running is often due to injuries or overuse. Here are some common causes:

Ankle Sprains: These occur when the ligaments around the ankle are stretched or torn, often from twisting the foot awkwardly.
Tendonitis: This is inflammation of the tendons in the ankle, commonly from overuse or improper running techniques.
Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in the bones of the foot or ankle can develop from repetitive impact and stress, especially if running on hard surfaces.
Overuse Injuries: Continuous running without adequate rest can lead to various overuse injuries, causing pain and discomfort.

To manage and prevent ankle pain, it's important to wear proper footwear, maintain good running form, and incorporate rest days into your training routine. If pain persists, you can use our free symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your discomfort, and consult a healthcare professional to address the underlying issue and prevent further injury.

(References)

Tenforde AS, Yin A, & Hunt KJ. (2016). Foot and Ankle Injuries in Runners. Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America, 26616180.
(2013). Ankle sprains: combination of manual therapy and .... The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 23812107.
Arnold MJ, & Moody AL. (2018). Common Running Injuries: Evaluation and Management. American family physician, 29671490.

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