Ankle pain after playing golf

[welsh_steve]

I've suffered with this problem for around 6 months now. I usually play golf once a week on a Sunday morning, during which I don't experience any pain.
However, on Sunday nights I start to experience pain below both ankle joints. I experience severe pain when putting weight on both ankles which in turn makes walking around very painful.

From the Tuesday onwards I don't experience any pain whatsoever and have no trouble while walking.

I have tried changing my footwear from normal style golf shoes to boot style shoes which come above the ankle bone. However, this has not helped in any way.

I have not sought any medical advice as yet.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

[Heidi]

Hi Steve

have you ever had any previous ankle or foot injuries? Even just a mild ankle sprain?

Is the pain on the inside or outside or top of the ankle joints? Or is it not possible to pin-point?

My initial thought is that it is an overuse injury, caused by either the distance walked during a round of golf (Do you walk any real distance other than golf?) or the actual twisting motion at the ankle during the swing.

[welsh_steve]

Hi Heidi,

I've sprained my right ankle in the past some years ago, probably 10 years or so.

I'm not entirely sure in terms of pin-pointing the pain. They are not painful to the touch and they don't appear swollen in any way. The pain seems to be located below the ankle joint on the inside. If I walk on tip toes during the pain it is not as bad, it is worse when I try to walk normally.

I don't really walk any real distance other than golf and I've wondered whether I should start, which may help to strengthen the area involved.

Thanks

[Heidi]

Hi

It may be the walking then, rather than the golf that is causing the problem. The first thing to check is the arch of your feet and the way that your feet move when you walk. have a look at this link which should explain more:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/general/pronate.htm

If you have either flat feet or you 'overpronate' this puts a lot of stress on muscles, ligaments and tendons surrounding the foot and ankle. It can even contribute towards knee, hip and back pain!

This condition is often caused by overpronation:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/ankle/tibialisposterior.htm

See what you think.