How to Stop Your Inner Ankle From Hurting When Running

Running should be an enjoyable experience, not a source of pain. While occasional muscle soreness is expected, sharp or shooting pain in your inner (medial) ankle during or after runs is a cause for concern.

This pain could indicate a more serious condition like posterior tibial tendonitis. Ignoring the cause and continuing to run can worsen the injury, potentially impacting your running performance significantly and even affecting your overall quality of life.

» Alleviate inner ankle pain while running with custom-made orthotics

Causes of Inner Ankle Pain When Running

Running is a fantastic way to stay fit, but it can also stress your body, especially your feet and ankles. If you're experiencing pain in your inner ankle during or after running, it's crucial to investigate the cause. Here are some common culprits:  

• Posterior Tibial Tendonitis: This common overuse injury occurs when the tendon on the inside of your ankle becomes inflamed. This tendon helps to support your arch, but it can become irritated with repetitive stress from running.  
• Plantar Fasciitis: While primarily affecting the bottom of your foot, plantar fasciitis can sometimes cause referred pain to the inner ankle.  
• Stress Fractures: Repetitive impact from running can sometimes lead to tiny cracks in the bones of your foot, including the area around your inner ankle.  
• Ligament Sprains: While less common, sprains to the ligaments around your ankle can cause pain, particularly on the inside.  
• Flat Feet or High Arches: Abnormal foot mechanics can put extra stress on specific areas of your foot and ankle, leading to pain.
• Incorrect Footwear: Wearing worn-out, ill-fitting, or inappropriate shoes for running can significantly increase the risk of inner ankle pain.

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Effective Treatment of Inner Ankle Pain

When inner ankle pain strikes runners, it can be frustrating and complex. The key lies in understanding both immediate treatment options and long-term preventive measures.

To reduce inflammation, treatment for inner ankle pain typically starts with the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). Physical therapy follows, focusing on strengthening supporting muscles and improving flexibility for long-term recovery. NSAIDs may be prescribed for temporary pain relief.

» Try these ankle exercises to help strengthen the posterior tibial tendon

Get Back to Running Without Inner Ankle Pain

While these initial treatments often provide relief, persistent pain warrants a deeper look. Usually, footwear choices are the hidden culprit. What offers support for one runner might spell trouble for another, making the perfect shoe hunt feel like chasing a moving target.

Enter Upstep Running Orthotics—your personalized solution that turns any shoe into your perfect match. By addressing both footwear and biomechanical issues, these custom-crafted supports work with your unique foot structure and running style.

The result? Even pressure distribution, enhanced performance, and the freedom to choose shoes based on preference, not just support needs. Your shoes shouldn't limit your running journey—they should empower it.

With Upstep, you're not just treating pain—you're unlocking your full running potential with every step.

Stop Letting Inner Ankle Pain Hold Back Your Running

Say goodbye to nagging inner ankle pain and enjoy a smoother, more comfortable, and injury-free running experience with Upstep Custom Running Orthotics.

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