The ankle joint is the meeting of the bones of the leg and the foot and is responsible for the up and down motion of the foot. In popular usage, the ankle is often considered to be the ankle joint plus the surrounding anatomic region, including the lower end of the leg and the start of the flat part of the foot.
Pain in the ankle can result from inflammation or
injury to any of the structures in this region, including the bones, joint space,
cartilage, ligaments, tendons, or muscles.
Common causes of ankle pain include sprains or injuries.
Rheumatoid arthritis, gout,
osteoarthritis, and other types of arthritis can also cause ankle pain.
Flatfeet can sometimes contribute to problems in your ankles and knees because the condition can alter the alignment of your legs. If you aren't having pain, no treatment is usually necessary for flatfeet.
But some people with flatfeet experience foot pain, particularly in the heel or arch area. Pain may worsen with activity. Swelling along the inside of the ankle can also occur.
Talk to your doctor if you or your child has foot pain.