Personalized care:
No ankle pain is the same. Treatments shouldn’t be either. That’s why we first take the time to get to know you and understand your story. Then we work with you to plan care with your needs and goals in mind.
When your ankle hurts, it might be tough to walk across the room or stand in the kitchen to cook dinner — let alone go on your early morning run.
Whether you have a sprain, fracture or arthritis, ankle pain can sideline you from the things you want (and need) to do. Good news — it’s usually treatable. Sometimes, it might just take ice, rest and time. But other times, you might need a little extra help getting back on your feet.
Cleveland Clinic’s healthcare providers are here to help. Our orthopaedics and podiatry teams have years of experience diagnosing and treating many different causes of ankle pain. We listen carefully to you, answer your questions and work with you to find the right treatment for your pain and your recovery goals.
No ankle pain is the same. Treatments shouldn’t be either. That’s why we first take the time to get to know you and understand your story. Then we work with you to plan care with your needs and goals in mind.
We try to avoid surgery or use minimally invasive treatments when possible. This can shorten your recovery time and help you get better as quickly as possible.
We have comprehensive experience with all conditions and injuries that cause ankle pain. We provide the care you need to recover and get back to the activities you love. Meet our team.
Not all appointments need to be in person. Virtual visits let you meet one-on-one with your providers using a smartphone, tablet or computer. You can talk about your progress and concerns with them from the comfort of home.
Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We're recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.
Ankle pain happens for many reasons. Maybe it’s an injury. Or maybe you have a chronic (ongoing) condition like arthritis or tendinitis. No matter the reason, one thing is certain, it can derail your life until you get relief.
Cleveland Clinic’s foot and ankle providers know what it takes to treat the many causes of ankle pain, like:
Your first appointment with your provider starts with something simple — getting to know each other. Chances are, you’re meeting each other for the first time. And your provider hasn’t heard the story of your ankle pain in your own words. So, you’ll want to be prepared to share it by talking about:
All of this is important for your provider to hear. It helps them understand what’s been going on. And it keeps you and your needs at the center of your care plan.
While you’re here, your provider will take a look at your ankle and have you move it to see where and when it hurts. You may also get orders for other tests, including:
Your Cleveland Clinic care team is built based on your needs and could include:
This team works together (and with you) to make sure your treatment plan focuses on you and your needs at all times.
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio, Florida and London.
Your ankle pain treatment will depend on a lot of things — how bad it is, what’s causing it and your recovery goals. Your care team will make sure the treatment they recommend matches your needs.
Depending on what we find during testing, we may recommend treating your ankle pain at home. We often suggest the RICE method:
You can also try taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (like Advil® or Motrin®). It’s a good idea not to wear flip-flops, sandals and shoes that are too loose. Supportive footwear is a must.
If your ankle still hurts after a few days, you should see your provider for treatment.
Your provider may recommend one or more of these treatments if your ankle pain doesn’t get better at home:
If your pain continues, your provider may decide you need ankle surgery. This could include:
Your provider will go over all of the options and what you can expect from surgery and recovery.
How fast you recover depends on what’s causing your ankle pain, how bad it is and the kind of treatment you get. Mild sprains may only take a couple weeks to heal, while broken ankles can take up to six weeks. If you have surgery, it could take weeks to months to completely recover. We’ll provide you with a specific plan to help you get better as quickly as possible.
If you choose to come to Cleveland Clinic for ankle pain relief, you’ll get a care team of skilled, compassionate providers with one goal — getting you back on your feet. With the right personalized treatment, ankle pain doesn’t have to keep you from living an active life. And we’re ready to help you get back to walking, running and standing, pain-free.
Getting an appointment with Cleveland Clinic’s ankle pain experts is easy. We’re here to help you get the care you need.
Manage your Cleveland Clinic account. Find billing information and financial assistance, plus FAQs.
Securely access your personal health information at any time, day or night.
Find answers to your health questions from experts you can trust. It's like having a friend who's a doctor.