Ankle Joint Pain? Arthritis?

[Jary08]

Hi there, I'm 24 and about 4 months ago started getting pain in my joints when I walk. its worse when ive been walking and then rest and then walk again. its like they stiffen up.

I feel its getting worse and will make an appointment for it but I don't know what it could be. my ankles are not swollen. in fact they look perfectly fine. but the pain is there and I don't know what to do.

I gave birth 6.5 months ago so don't know if its related to that.

anyone have similar symptoms?

[carolanivey]

Arthritis in the small bones of the hindfoot (under the ankle joint itself) could be causing the pain. You may not feel or hear any grinding, but if there is inflammation in those small joints, you'll feel it.

Pregnancy can wreak havoc with your immune system, as a portion of it turns "off" while you're pregnant so your body doesn't reject the fetus as foreign tissue. After birth, when that part switching back "on", things can go a bit haywire. I would urge you to ask for a referral to a rheumatologist just to cover all the bases. Hope you feel better soon!

[Jary08]

I've had no injury to my ankles.

Once I'm walking they start to feel better. I bought some supportive shoes which help but even with them I rest my feet after walking and when I start walking again it's very uncomfortable. More frequently it's becoming very painful.

Ibuprofen didn't help... I thought it might relieve the pain.

There's no grinding in the joints, I have no trouble moving them about. Just pain and aches.

I will update once I've been to my GP.

Thanks for your reply!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
What other symptoms are present? If there was no ankle trauma or injury in the past, ankle pain may indeed be caused by arthritis including gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis and other types, as well as damage or swelling of tendons  or cartilage and even infection in the ankle joint. Problems in areas near the ankle that needs to be ruled out also are blockage of blood vessels in the leg, heel pain or nerve  injuries. For proper evaluation, it is best that you have this checked by your doctor. Imaging studies such as xray of the ankle joint and blood tests may need to be done. Take care and do keep us posted.