"Knocking" of ankles (running)

by Karla
(San Antonio, Texas, USA)

I have noticed that when I begin to get tired after a long run or if I do not pay attention to my running, I will occasionally "knock" my ankle bones causing a lot of pain. I have talked to other students at my university and some say that it has happened to them as well.

Well about a week ago, I did it again after coming around on my 3rd mile. However, this time I hit them so hard, I immediately fell to the ground. I knew I did not sprain my ankle and that I did not have a shin splint, and after staying off of it for about 5 minutes I felt like I could walk again. I knew it would bruise eventually.

But a day or so later, I had a great amount of pain and swelling right behind my left ankle bone on the inside. From looking at your page, I found that that could possibly be posterior tibialis tendon. I also have some pain in the area when the anterior tibialis is, as well. Sometimes this pain will lead all the way up my calve, but I still know that this was not caused by a shin splint. From these two areas, I had a pretty good amount of swelling and it seemed to sting every time I took a step. I have iced and elevated these areas.

So, my question for you is..did I maybe injure these tendons, and how long do you think it is going to take to get back to running my 3 miles a day. I tried to jog the other day, and my ankle pretty much screamed at me. I am also wondering if you have heard of anyone else "knocking" their ankles when running, and how it can be prevented! hope you can help me!!!

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"Knocking" of ankles (running)

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Jun 25, 2008
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Probably a bad contusion
by: Bart - SII

It sounds like you probably have a moderate to severe contusion (bruise) to your ankle. From the force you describe when knocking your ankles together, and the fact that there is very little soft tissue in this area to cushion contact, you may very well have bruised the tendons and the malleolus.

Bruises like this will take several days or even a week or two to heal. They can cause swelling, pain, and increase when you try to use the surrounding muscles. I would use lots of ice, rest, and then gradually try to return to activities once you can walk pain free. Start off slow.

If this doesn't get any better over the next 7-10 days, then it would be a good idea to see your doctor to have it evaluated.

As far as preventing it, you might consider having your gait analyzed by a PT or ATC to determine if you have any over pronation issues. This is usually what causes knocking of the ankles. Your arches collapse, rolling your foot more toward the inside when you strike the ground, and so your feet are closer together when you run. If you run long enough, or as you said when you are tired or not thinking about it, they can knock together. A good arch support can sometimes help this, pulling your foot into a more neutral position and keeping your feet from rolling in when you strike the ground.

Hope this helps - comment back if you have other questions.

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Jun 25, 2008
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Submitted by: Bart - SII

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It sounds like you probably have a moderate to severe contusion (bruise) to your ankle. From the force you describe when knocking your ankles together, and the fact that there is very little soft tissue in this area to cushion contact, you may very well have bruised the tendons and the malleolus. Bruises like this will take several days or even a week or two to heal. They can cause swelling, pain, and increase when you try to use the surrounding muscles. I would use lots of ice, rest, and then gradually try to return to activities once you can walk pain free. Start off slow. If this doesn't get any better over the next 7-10 days, then it would be a good idea to see your doctor to have it evaluated. As far as preventing it, you might consider having your gait analyzed by a PT or ATC to determine if you have any over pronation issues. This is usually what causes knocking of the ankles. Your arches collapse, rolling your foot more toward the inside when you strike the ground, and so your feet are closer together when you run. If you run long enough, or as you said when you are tired or not thinking about it, they can knock together. A good arch support can sometimes help this, pulling your foot into a more neutral position and keeping your feet from rolling in when you strike the ground. Hope this helps - comment back if you have other questions.

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"Knocking" of ankles (running)

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