What causes sudden ankle pain without injury, and what should I do?

Generally, sudden ankle pain without injury may be caused by overexertion, cold exposure, gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, synovitis, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through general measures, medication, and other treatments. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Overexertion: Prolonged standing, walking, or excessive exercise can place continuous stress on the ankle muscles and ligaments, leading to fatigue-related pain accompanied by soreness and swelling. Activity should be stopped immediately. Rest in bed with the ankle elevated to promote blood return. Soaking feet in warm water may help relieve muscle tension. Avoid maintaining the same posture for long periods, and reasonably balance rest and activity in daily life.

2. Cold exposure: When the ankle is exposed to cold environments, local blood vessels constrict and circulation becomes impaired, causing pain that typically improves with warmth. Apply a hot water bottle to the affected area for 15–20 minutes at a time, keep the ankle warm, wear ankle supports or socks for protection, and avoid further cold exposure.

3. Gouty arthritis: Abnormal uric acid metabolism leads to deposition of uric acid crystals in the ankle joint, resulting in sudden pain along with redness, swelling, and heat. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as colchicine tablets, allopurinol, or febuxostat to lower uric acid levels and reduce inflammation.

4. Osteoarthritis: With aging or long-term joint wear, degeneration of ankle cartilage can cause pain that worsens during movement. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as glucosamine hydrochloride capsules, celecoxib capsules, or sodium hyaluronate injections to nourish cartilage and relieve pain.

5. Synovitis: Inflammation of the synovial membrane in the ankle joint due to irritation or infection can lead to joint effusion, pain, and limited mobility. Patients should follow medical advice to take anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets, or prednisone acetate tablets.

Daily care should focus on protecting the ankle—avoiding intense physical activity and excessive loading, performing appropriate ankle stretching exercises to enhance joint stability. Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health and reduce the risk of ankle pain.