What could cause ankle pain that comes and goes intermittently?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Intermittent ankle pain—pain that comes and goes—is often linked to tendon problems (such as Achilles or peroneal tendinitis), various forms of arthritis (including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis), or lingering effects from past injuries like sprains or fractures. Nerve irritation, poor footwear, and overuse can also trigger recurring flare-ups.

Because so many conditions share these symptoms, guessing the cause can delay proper care. A quick, private symptom check can help you identify likely causes based on your specific symptoms, giving you clearer next steps—whether that's home care, seeing a physical therapist, or consulting a doctor. It's free, takes just a few minutes, and could save you time, worry, and unnecessary pain.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of intermittent ankle pain Learn if ankle pain needs care today Find out if ankle pain could signal injury See OTC options for ankle pain relief Find an ankle pain specialist nearby Understand medically proven home remedies for ankle pain Check whether your ankle pain needs treatment

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Explanation

Ankle pain that comes and goes can be due to several reasons. One common cause is problems with the tendons around the ankle, such as the peroneal tendons. These tendons can become inflamed or injured, leading to pain that isn't constant but flares up with certain activities or movements.

Other possible causes include arthritis, where the joints in the ankle can become inflamed, leading to intermittent pain. Past injuries to the ankle, like sprains, can also lead to pain that comes and goes because the area might not have healed completely or properly.

Possible Causes of Intermittent Ankle Pain:

Tendon Issues: Problems with tendons like the peroneal tendons can cause pain.
Arthritis: Inflammation in the ankle joint can lead to pain.
Past Injuries: Previous ankle injuries may cause recurring pain.

If you're experiencing ankle pain that comes and goes, it's important to pay attention to what activities or movements make it worse. To help identify what might be causing your symptoms, try our free AI symptom checker or consider speaking to a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

(References)

Wukich DK, & Tuason DA. (2011). Diagnosis and treatment of chronic ankle pain. Instructional course lectures, 21553785.
Choudhary S, & McNally E. (2011). Review of common and unusual causes of lateral ankle pain. Skeletal radiology, 20972871.
Baumhauer JF, Nawoczenski DA, DiGiovanni BF, & Flemister AS. (2004). Ankle pain and peroneal tendon pathology. Clinics in sports medicine, 15062582.

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