Why Is My Ankle Pain Getting Worse Even Without an Injury?

Question

For the past few weeks, I’ve been dealing with ankle pain that seems to have come out of nowhere. I didn’t twist or injure it, but it feels sore all the time, especially in the morning or after I sit for too long. Walking for long periods makes it worse, and now even standing for a few minutes feels uncomfortable.

I’ve never had this kind of ankle pain before, and I don’t understand why it’s happening. Could it be a sign of arthritis? I’m in my 30s, so that seems unlikely, but I have been noticing more stiffness in my joints lately. Could it be something else?

I’m looking for an Ayurvedic way to relieve ankle pain naturally. Are there any herbal oils or massages that can help? Also, should I change my diet? I eat a lot of salty and fried food—could that be affecting my joints?

I need something that actually works. If anyone has experience dealing with unexplained ankle pain and found relief with Ayurveda, please share!

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns. The symptoms you described—persistent ankle pain, morning stiffness, and discomfort after prolonged sitting—could indicate early signs of inflammation or even mild arthritis, which can happen at any age. However, it could also be due to other conditions like tendonitis or a build-up of uric acid (a factor in gout).

From an Ayurvedic perspective, joint pain is often linked to an imbalance in Vata dosha, which can lead to dryness and stiffness in the joints. Fried and salty foods can aggravate this imbalance, so cutting back on these may help reduce inflammation. Try incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods like cooked vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (such as ghee or sesame oil).

For relief, you could try warm oil massages with Mahanarayan oil or Dhanvantaram oil, which are known to support joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. Gentle massage and application of warm compresses may help increase circulation and reduce pain. Herbal supplements like Ashwagandha or Guggulu may also be helpful for joint inflammation, but these should be taken after consulting a healthcare provider.

Since your symptoms have been persistent, I recommend seeing your doctor to rule out conditions like arthritis or gout. Early diagnosis and treatment—combined with Ayurvedic lifestyle changes—can make a significant difference.

Why Is My Ankle Pain Getting Worse Even Without an Injury? - #15115

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