What might cause pain in both ankles simultaneously?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Bilateral ankle pain—when both ankles hurt at the same time—is often linked to systemic conditions rather than a single injury. Common causes include bone marrow edema syndrome, which involves fluid buildup within the bone, and sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that can affect the joints. Other possibilities include rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, or overuse.

Because bilateral ankle pain can signal an underlying health issue, identifying the cause early is key to effective treatment. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your pain and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover causes of your ankle pain See if ankle pain needs care Find out what’s causing both ankles Explore OTC relief for ankle pain Find an ankle pain specialist Discover home remedies for ankle pain Understand if ankle pain is serious

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Explanation

Pain in both ankles simultaneously can be due to several conditions. One possible cause is Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome. This condition affects the bones in the foot and ankle, causing pain and swelling. It is not always clear why this happens, but it can make walking difficult.

Another possible cause is sarcoidosis, which is a disease that can affect many parts of the body, including the lungs and skin. Sometimes, sarcoidosis can cause pain in both ankles. This happens because the disease can lead to inflammation in the joints.

If you have pain in both ankles, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider. To help identify what might be causing your symptoms, you can take a free symptom checker test for personalized insights. Remember, this information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

(References)

Snijders GF, van Bokhoven SC, van Zadelhoff JT, Swierstra BA, Poelkens F, & Martens HA. (2016). Unexplained pain in the ankle and foot. Consider transient .... Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde, 27165454.
Mirghasemi SA, Trepman E, Sadeghi MS, Rahimi N, & Rashidinia S. (2016). Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome in the Foot and Ankle. Foot & ankle international, 27587374.
Julsrud M. (1989). Bilateral ankle pain secondary to sarcoidosis. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 2724109.

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