What conditions could cause severe pain in both ankles?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Severe pain in both ankles is often linked to specific medical conditions. The most common causes include chronic ankle pain, unexplained ankle pain, and bone marrow edema syndrome. Each of these conditions can significantly impact mobility and quality of life, making it important to identify the underlying issue early.

Because ankle pain can stem from many overlapping causes, pinpointing the exact reason without guidance is difficult. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you better understand your symptoms, narrow down possible conditions, and guide your next steps toward relief.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what may cause severe ankle pain Find out if both ankles need care Discover likely causes of your ankle pain See OTC options for ankle pain Find an ankle pain specialist near you Explore medically valid home remedies for ankle pain Understand if severe ankle pain needs urgent care

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Explanation

There are several conditions that can lead to severe pain in both ankles. Chronic ankle pain can result from a variety of factors, including past injuries or arthritis, which can cause long-lasting discomfort. Another possibility is unexplained ankle pain, which might occur without a clear reason or diagnosis. Lastly, bone marrow edema syndrome is a condition where fluid builds up inside the bone, leading to pain and swelling in the affected area.

Possible Causes of Severe Ankle Pain:

Chronic Ankle Pain: This type of pain may persist due to previous injuries or degenerative conditions like arthritis.
Unexplained Ankle Pain: Sometimes, ankle pain occurs without a clear cause, making it challenging to diagnose and treat.
Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome: This condition involves swelling within the bone itself, causing significant pain and discomfort.

If you experience severe ankle pain, you can use our free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine whether you should seek medical attention.

(References)

Wukich DK, & Tuason DA. (2011). Diagnosis and treatment of chronic ankle pain. Instructional course lectures, 21553785.
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.

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