What could be the reasons for experiencing pain at the back of the ankle?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain at the back of the ankle is often caused by Achilles tendinosis, retrocalcaneal bursitis, Haglund's deformity, or Achilles tendinitis. Other possible causes include ankle sprains, stress fractures, nerve entrapment, or arthritis. Symptoms may include swelling, stiffness, tenderness, or pain that worsens with activity.

Because posterior ankle pain has many possible causes—some minor, some requiring prompt care—identifying the likely source early can help you avoid worsening injury and get the right treatment faster. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your pain and confidently navigate your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Explanation

Pain at the back of the ankle can have several causes. One common reason is Achilles tendinosis, which is when the tendon becomes thick and painful. This can happen from overuse or not warming up properly. Another possible cause is bursitis, where small sacs near the ankle become swollen and sore.

Here are some common causes of pain at the back of the ankle:

Achilles Tendinosis: The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. When this tendon is overused, it can become thick and painful, leading to tendinosis.
Bursitis: This occurs when the fluid-filled sacs in the ankle, called bursae, become inflamed. These sacs help reduce friction, but when they swell, they can cause pain.
Other Conditions: Conditions like tendon tears or ankle sprains can also lead to pain in this area.

If you experience persistent pain, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine the right next steps for treatment.

(References)

Hamilton WG. (1995). Differential diagnosis and treatment of posterior ankle pain .... Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, 24572264.
Stern SH. (1988). Ankle and foot pain. Primary care, 3068697.
Okewunmi J, Guzman J, & Vulcano E. (2020). Achilles Tendinosis Injuries-Tendinosis to Rupture (Getting .... Clinics in sports medicine, 32892973.

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