Choose a symptom and answer simple questions using our physician-reviewed symptom checker to find more information on your health issue.
Did you begin to have pain and/or swelling after the ankle was hit or after a fall or a twisting injury?
Choose an option below.
Is the ankle significantly swollen, and is the pain so intense that you can’t put weight on that foot?
You may have a FRACTURE or a severe SPRAIN.
Is the ankle swollen and bruised, and can you still put weight on that foot?
You may have a SPRAINED ANKLE or a FRACTURE OF THE FIBULA.
Do you have swelling, stiffness (especially in the morning), and/or pain that comes and goes in both ankles?
You may have RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS or OSTEOARTHRITIS (also called DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE).
Do you have a fever, and is one or more of your joints painful, swollen, and red?
Fever and a painful, red, swollen joint may be caused by an INFECTED JOINT (also called SEPTIC ARTHRITIS). More than one affected joint may be caused by RHEUMATIC FEVER.
Did the pain start suddenly, and is it painful when clothing or bedding rubs against your ankle?
You may have GOUT (swelling and pain caused by too much uric acid in your body).
Do you usually feel pain before or during a change in the weather, and/or are you experiencing swelling, stiffness, and pain that gets worse during or after you use your ankle?
These symptoms may be caused by OSTEOARTHRITIS (also called DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE). Previous surgery or trauma to the ankle can also cause these symptoms.
See your doctor promptly. Don’t put weight on the injured ankle.
Raise the ankle above your heart while sitting or lying down. Use a compression wrap to help control swelling. Place an ice pack wrapped in a thin, damp cloth on the swollen area. You can also consider using a soft compression brace and crutches.
See your doctor if the swelling and pain continue.
See your doctor. He or she can treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis with a combination of therapies.
URGENT
SEE YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY.
See your doctor. During a gout attack (also called a flare), rest in bed until the pain eases up. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin, damp cloth to your ankle. Drink extra water to help flush uric acid from your body.
Avoid alcohol and high-fat foods. They can trigger gout attacks.
See your doctor. If you have osteoarthritis, he or she can treat your symptoms with a combination of therapies.
Relieve your symptoms by applying a heating pad or an ice pack wrapped in a thin, damp cloth to your ankle. Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease the pain.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call right away.
DISCLAIMER
Symptom Checker content is provided for informational purposes only. This tool may leverage certain generative artificial intelligence tools to generate results, but you should not rely on this tool as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health or the information provided when you use this tool, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your healthcare professional because of something you may have read using this tool or on the FamilyDoctor.org website. Use this content solely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, dial 911.
