sharp shooting pain on the outside of my right ankle

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sharp shooting pain on the outside of my right ankle

by Liz
(Cambridge, MD)

For several months now I have been experiencing a severe and sudden sharp pain in my ankle. The pain is sporadic with no pattern to the re occurrence. It sometimes takes my breath away. The pain can last anywhere from a second to 30 seconds and sometimes leaves the ankle with a burning sensation after an especially sharp attack. It feels like someone is stabbing me in the ankle. I can have a lot of little attacks for hours and then suddenly I have none for a day or so. I have had no recent injuries. I am hoping that you can help lead me in the right direction for help with this. Thanks, Liz

Hi Liz,
On the surface it would seem like you either have an ankle problem like arthritis, or perhaps a problem with one of the tendons that circles the ankle. In either event, any pain that "takes your breath away" that has persisted for a few months, needs to be looked at by a doctor. It is safe to say it is not going away on its own. Do not be fooled by the fact that there is no history of trauma. Pain is the foot and ankle can occur for any number of reasons.
Marc Mitnick DPM

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sharp shooting pain on the outside of my right ankle

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May 17, 2012
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Me too!
by: Shannon

I'm laying in bed now having one of these "attacks". I googled stabbing pain in ankle on my Blackberry and that's how I got here. Amazing. Same exact pain as you all are describing. Its been going on for a good 15 minutes, waxing and waning in intensity. Definitely "stabby" and the entire ankle in general has a strange feel. I hope it passes soon, I need to sleep! I'm a 31 year old active healthy woman, no injuries. Strange! Wish you all the best!

Apr 18, 2012
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I am amazed:
by: Anonymous

As many of you have written, I too have the same pain in left ankle. Have had for a while, just thought it was probably weight and the arch in left foot has fallen. I figure possible worn out the cartilage between the ankle bones, like knees do. Just curious if anyone has had xrays to their ankles and what it may have shown. I can understand the fustration of treatment plans many of you have had. I too have tried many different things. I will try bakng soda, haven't tried that. Also, do you have problems when getting up to walk in mornings iniatially. Mine pain is terrible at that time and then ease off. Then throughtout day have sharp shooting pain, as well as, being woke at night.

Apr 12, 2012
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17 year old never broken ankle
by: Sabrina

I thought I was going crazy, I've been getting all the feelings that everyone has said. Except my pain only lasts a few seconds, 15seconds has been the longest so far.
Not many have updated what has happened to them after they went to the doctor, and those few that have, all share very different outcomes.
I'm going to the doctor soon, and I will let you all know what happens. Because if you have all the pain the others have described, and also read the treatment they got..it's scary. It is for me anyways, I hate needles and that sort of thing.

Mar 31, 2012
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The Worst Pain of My Life
by: Joanie

I have had three surgeries on my left ankle and now I am having the same pain you are talking about, it wakes me up all night the sharp stabbing pain, it comes and goes and it has completly ruined my life, I don't do anything anymore because I can't.
I am to tired from being awake every couple of hours from pain, some days I just cry because I don't see an end in sight, I have tried pain meds, herbal, and now I just drink night time cough medicine to go back to sleep, I wish I wouldn't even wake up anymore. The insurance co. does not think they should have to cover this so they are not, they just deny everything.if you find a cure email me I will try anything. jcowgirlup28@aol.com

Mar 29, 2012
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I have the same issue
by: Chris

I have been having the same issue. Right where the ankle meets the foot, i have been having a sharp, stabbing pain in my left foot, with no regular pattern. It will randomly tense up and hurt like hell. It's impossible to ignore, except for when I'm running. I've been rubbing with minimalist running shoes since November and I've really picked it up a lot in the past month, and I'm going to take it easy for the next couple of weeks and perhaps wear regular running shoes. Any ideas as to what it could be??

Mar 28, 2012
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I have the same pain also!
by: troy

It started in November 2011 in both ankles. It was a weird feeling like they were coming un-jointed and then the pain that could not be described. It is bad. I went to the doc who gave me steroids which made it better except the funny click was still there and a week later the pain came back in both ankles. The doc then referred me to an orthopedic doctor who treated me for the per tendon for six weeks. The right ankle got much better but the same pain was there on the left. I went to the follow up visit he then prescribed me another steroid. It just wore off and the pain is coming back in the left, the right is healed it seems and now I have a good one to limp on. Nice. I still have the click also and the pain is after the thing comes un-jointed or whatever it is. Going back to the doc again to give him another shot to cure me.

Mar 26, 2012
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ankle pain
by: Anonymous

has anyone taken CIPRO antibiotic recently? I did in June and December. Side effect is tendon problems and or tendons snaping even months after. HAD SAME PAIN IN RIGHT ANKLE off and on' then stopped. Now in left ankle even sharper. Like an ice pick describes it to a tee!

Mar 10, 2012
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Sharp ankle pain
by: Lucy

I am so relieved not to be alone!!!! But this is crazy, there must be an explanation to these crazy and breathtaking pains.
I was ok for a few months and suddenly last night I woke up at 1:30 am with a pain so intense I could not breathe, cold sweats and nausea. It seemed that this time it lasted forever.
I was able to fall asleep after one hour but all day I lived in fear and still,have the feeling of burning and that it will return anytime.
I endured many health challenges during my life ( I am 56) and have a very high tolerance to pain but this is unbearable.
As a last resort I am trying Traumeel and ant inflammatory natural cream that works wonders. Let's see if it helps.
I was particularly interested in the theory of the elevated treadmill. I walk a lot especially uphill and now I have being going to the gym and that's exactly what I do.
I will follow this blog and hopefully we will be able to find some concrete answers.

Feb 26, 2012
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Electric Shock Pain is Gone!
by: Debbie B.

Back in August 2011 I posted along with all of you about the shooting, incapacitating pain in my right ankle. It was like a crisp, sharp "electric shock" that would have me on the floor screaming for about 30 seconds and then it was done, like nothing ever happened. This went on for months. I saw a post where someone said the drug Gabapentin helped them. This is a common drug for Epilepsy, which stems from nerve issues. My doctor told me it is a nerve problem in my ankle, why she doesn't know. Anyway, I asked about the Gapapentin and she agreed, let's give it a try. You start out slowly taking one a day, until you work up to 3. It does make you very sleepy in the beginning, a small price to pay it it gives relief. After being on it for months, I have found that taking 1 a day works fine and I built up a tolerance for the sleepy issue. I am pain free and have not had an "attack" since I started the drug! I am so thankful to the person that posted that it worked for them! I hope by this new post from me I can help someone else. It may not work for all, but it is certainly work a try! Pain free and happy in Cali!

Feb 26, 2012
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sciatica cause of pain?
by: Anonymous

has anyone looked into sciatica as the possible cause of foot or ankle pain?

Feb 24, 2012
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left ankle pain
by: Anonymous

So glad i found this page. I thought I was losing my mind. Voodoo doll describes it perfectly. Because it is intermittent, i haven't gone to the doctor, but i think I'll call one now. Thank you all for posting!

Feb 24, 2012
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Feb 16, 2012
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Peroneal Tendons
by: Anonymous

Sounds like tenosynovitis, tendonosis or tears of one or both of the peroneus longus or peroneus brevis. Good luck all!

Feb 14, 2012
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To: Cindie
by: Suzanne

Hi Cindie -

Just read your post about the orthotics. I doubt your pain is related to them since you said you have worn them for years. I am thinking it is more related to your new sneakers.
When I started having my sharp pains (see my posts 1/11 and 2/11) I had just bought a new pair of Nikes. They are actually a half size too small. I started having the pain within weeks of wearing them and was walking on a treadmill on an incline. The Orthopedist told me to stop wearing the shoes and keep the treadmill flat. ( I was diagnosed with cysts on my right ankle)

I am happy to say (even tho I still wear the shoes but tie them loosely so my ankle isn't as constricted) and walk on the treadmill only twice a week and not at an incline, I have not had the sharp pain in over a year, knock on wood!!

Good Luck!!
Suzanne

Feb 14, 2012
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Do any of you wear the ortho shoe inserts?
by: Cindie

I have been having the sharp, intermmitten pain in my ankles for over a year now. It is getting worse, more frequent.

Feels like my ankle, above the bone on the outside of my leg is cracked or going to snap.

I have been using the inserts for years, but I did buy a different label of sneakers, (usually buy easy spirits) and wondering if maybe the support was different.

Feb 12, 2012
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Severe sharp ankle pain
by: Wingold

Yesterday I suddenlt had a severe sharp shooting pain on the inside of of my right ankle. The pain is from the ankle point up for about 3 inches. Extreme agony. Cannoy move foot at all. Lasts about 20 secs - 1 minute and then disappears. Today had same issue a few times. Now it feels as if it will happen any moment. I have very bad neck problems (3 discs disintegrated) and have had a lower back disc removed (20 years ago). Any advice or ideas of what to do will be greatly appreciated

Feb 07, 2012
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Ankle gives way when pain strikes
by: Anonymous

I can't believe that so many people also suffer from this! I can get a shooting pain going over the side of my ankle which will end up with me either hoping on my left leg until the pain goes or ending up on the floor as the ankle gives way.

Really not sure what else to do if visits to hospitals and doctors having helped others so far. All part of the aging process!

Jan 24, 2012
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Amazing
by: Sharon

I am amazed that so many people are experiencing the very same thing I have been having for the last several years! It's rather bizarre when you think about it. Most of us, right ankle, stabbing pain....why do so many of us have it and WHAT CAUSES IT? Better yet, what does it take to get RID of it?

Jan 24, 2012
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I had same problem left ankle - meningioma
by: Wendy

I had same symptom in my left ankle for about a year, sudden intense shooting pain, takes your breathe away and put you at a complete stop. Goes away quickly but leaves you feeling drained and weird. Pain moved to my left arm and began to have problems with speech while trying to figure out ankle problem, MRIs were done on leg, back. Nothing. Finally went to get second opinion from new doctor and found a parasagittal meningioma brain tumor on the right parietal lobe of my brain, but I am not going to die. Had surgery, removed tumor, but pain is still there and some days it is worse than before, most days I am pain free. My left foot now has numbness and my tendons are tightening and pulling my big toe upward. My neuro-oncologist, neurologists and my foot specialists all tell me this is brain injury. Hope your problem is not this, but it is definitely something to look at. Best wishes to all who have similar symptoms, because it sucks not being able to find a cure for pain. Both my feet hurt sometimes and my left arm occasionally, but the ankle pain just hits me when I apply pressure to it when walking. Out of the blue it just goes "BOOM". The nerves just do a short circuit or something. I keep joking my brain is rebooting. I hope with time my nerves will heal and it will go away. Best wishes to everyone, hope your pain goes away soon.

Jan 07, 2012
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Voo Doo affect, Ice Pick...
by: Daniels

My husband started complaining yesterday with the ice pick outside of his ankle that takes his breath away even when he's driving. Has had no injuries, back or hip surgeries. This just started out of the blue and is now concerning him because he never knows when the snake is going to bite!!! I haven't seen anything on here other than the baking soda and water, as far as treatments. He is NOT one to go to the dr. unless he thinks something is truly life threatning! Enjoyed reading all post. Please reply if you know of anything that may help. Ibuprofen? Tylenol? an ankle wrap???? something. Thanks!

Dec 30, 2011
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Ankle pain that lasts 10 seconds and takes your breath away
by: Anonymous

I had this pain in my right ankle as well. I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with gout. I was given an anti inflammatory and pain medicine. I did a lot of research and read to drink 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 8 oz of water and this has helped so many people with this problem. This is my first experience with this problem so I don't know what cured me but I did try the baking soda and after 3 days, I am 100 percent better. Hope this helps.

Dec 15, 2011
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pain in right ankle
by: reshab

I have the same problem...it started about two ago and it feels like an electric shock....it is agony.
Although it doesn't last too long,it feels like eternity...

Nov 12, 2011
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Shooting pain in Ankle
by: Anonymous

I have experienced all of the above. I read someone's post that they were prescribed Neurontin (Gabapentin)but that it didn't work for them. I went ot my doctor and he prescribed it for me. No diagnosis on the ankle issue. Anyway, the Gabapentin works for me and since being prescribed, The pain has stop. Gabapentin is a time released drug that is a common drug used for Epilepsy. I do not have Epilepsy and the only drawback is that it makes me sleepy. You ge used to it though. A small price to pay for being pain free. Those "electic" shocks in the ankle are horrible as any of you subscribing to this feed know.

Nov 12, 2011
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Spinal cord?
by: Anonymous

I have had this since the day I gave birth to my daughter in 1999. It was very severe for months or maybe first years. It's a shooting pain that has dropped me to the floor in a convenience store and other unfortunate positions I have been in. I laugh when with friends who know. It is so painful I am left breathless and if it is a series of attacks, I am sweating pale etc.
I have always said it is like someone is suddenly tasing me. I love the voodoo doll theory.
At first it came with a burning around my big toe also. That has since subsided.
These pains are random. OH so random. I get little "suggestions" of pain like a reminder "it may take me down today" and then it will subside for weeks or a month.
Today I have had 5 and I nearly chucked my computer from the immediate flex of my leg muscles and "yelling profanities suddenly" and then I am fine.
HERE IS SOME INFO...My friend had a spinal cord tumor which educated him grately on his spinal cord. He witnessed the attacks in their extreme first phase back years ago and told me this is my spinal cord. Now this does not mean you have a tumor but it may mean a pinch, spasm, nerve being touched etc. I don't know but that is where I would start so you don't go through foot therapies and surgeries unnecessarily.
We can't all be freaks of nature so there must be something going on.
I am not overweight but I have injured my back and have issues there but was really able to live my life with them. I had an epidural at delivery of my daughter so I don't know......
I wish us few of these attacks and a finding of the source and if you see anyone with a voodoo doll take it and burn it! :)
Oh I used to bang my foot and grab at it to rub the pain but after my friend told me this I started moving my back around immediately and it seemed to help??

Oct 05, 2011
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This is crazy!
by: Marie

I just googled 'i have a shooting pain in my right ankle' and went to this page and this is crazy! I can't believe how recently so many people have had the same experience. I'm 53 next week and the pain has only just started over the past few weeks. I certainly feel for you young people.
I have been unsure as to whether to contact the doctor or not,wondering whether it would just 'go away' but that doesn't sound like it will be the case. If I do go I'll write up the outcome.
I have never serously injured my right ankle, and, due to a bad back & right hip (which I have injured on numerous occasions) don't get to exercise as much as I used to (once upon a time), + I have a 'sit-down' job.
I was wondering whether the pain I have in my right hip might somehow be connected (like an electric circuit) to the right ankle, sending those horrifying 'shooting electric shocks' down to the ankle. These 'shocks' also cause me to catch my breath, or, gasp with pain. The amount of pain time, and the occurrence, is also sporadic.
I also have fairly constant pain going down the back of the right leg. I'm starting to limp and that's not good. I was diagnosed end of last year with moderate L5/S1 facet joint arthropathy, and was given a lumbosacral injection, which hurt and only just took the edge off that pain. I'm even considering a walking stick :|
I would like to wish everyone good luck.

Sep 21, 2011
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vertical split of the distal peroneal brevis tendon
by: Anonymous

I had pain in my ankle since jan. 2011. I figured it was just from wearing steel toe shoes and standing on my feet for 8 hours a day. The pain got so bad that i could hardly walk by the end of the day. I had an MRI done and it revealed that i have a vertical split of the distal peroneal brevis tendon. I had to wear a walking cam for a few months. My doctor also did the procedure of where they take your own blood out of your arm and inject it right into the tendon. I had 6 of those treatments. It didn't help. Then i was sent to physical therapy still not helping and it actually got a bit worse. I'm going for a 2nd opinion. Has anybody ever gone through this? And if so how was the surgery? Thanks.

Sep 12, 2011
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ankle pain
by: Brad

I just had an attack. It last a couple of minutes and I could not even talk. The pain is terrible. Right ankle and right in the middle of the bone on the side of my foot. Now I feel fine. This has been going on for a week.

Is anyone getting any answers? I'm hearing this is most likely a problem related to the tendon. Help!

Sep 04, 2011
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Same thing
by: A.E. Jones

I have had the same pain. I've seen 4 doctors, and they still haven't quite grasped what's truly causing it. The most recent guess that seems to be the most true is peroneal tendinitis. My ankle hurts sporadically, and it has been doing so for almost a year now. I'm in a cast for it right now. I also have a bone in my foot that not everyone has, so going to a specialist is probably in your best interest. My specialist has been great, and every other doctor I've seen has been completely clueless. I know it's awful, and I hope everyone gets better!

Aug 04, 2011
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Electric shock pain
by: Debbie B

You are all describing the same symptoms I have been having off and on for about a year. Now the "electric shock" feeling in my left ankle is there constantly and is interferring with my life. I'm afraid it will never go away and that scares me. I'm young and cannot live like this. My GP has no answers, he is sending me to a Podiatrist, we'll see what happens there. The pain is excruciating and I'm starting to get depressed over it. Need some help if it's out there.

Jul 24, 2011
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to edel
by: olive

I share a comparison with edel. I've also been experincing this horrific pain for 7 yrs. I compeletly understand your pain. My right ankles gets so bad that i can't hardly get in the shower without the help from my boyfriend and mother. Im in so need of help. "Please someone help me". I don't care if i have to be some sort lab rat to find a cure. Im willing to do anything to find a cure for this problem. A year and a half ago i did go to a physician who suggested that i get a subtalar fusion, unfortunately i got really terrifed, im only 25 yrs old and i happen to work in the medical field. I would love to educate myself further in the medical field, but honestly i couldn't imagine my right ankle doing a 12 hour shift. Honestly i can't even barley do a 8 hour shift but i have no choice, if anyone out there knows any solutions for me im begging please help me."""Im completly in tears right now"". My e-mail address is olivenjackie@yahoo.com

Apr 06, 2011
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The Link Describes My Pain
by: Steve

The link http://www.eorthopod.com/content/peroneal-tendon-subluxation describes what I feel. It happened twice yesterday when I was going down steps. I had my left foot pointed toe down, and when I put my weight on my foot I had severe stabbing pain in the back of the upper ankle. It brought tears to my eyes. But in about a minute, I could walk normally.

I think it is peroneal tendon subluxation caused by a severe ankle strain 9 months ago. After the sprain I went to physical therapy for months to try to stretch my Achilles tendon. They were going to operate, but while on a trip 3 months ago where I had to walk 3 or 4 miles every day, I got the normal range of motion back in my Achilles tendon. I cancelled the surgery. Then yesterday the severe pain came twice. I am going to immobilize my ankle a couple days with an ankle brace and go down steps flat footed in the future. If this doesn't work, I will go back to the ankle doctor.

Mar 30, 2011
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exact same problem!
by: Edel

Im only 18 and iv been getting this pain around 5 years now! I actually lie up and scream and cry the pain is so severe! Its on the outside of my right ankle just under my bone and slightly towards the bend on my foot... i get terrible attacks. If im on my feet for even 4 hours non stop, the minute I sit down the attacks start! When they stop im unable to walk at all and have to crawl around on my hands and knees.. Iv attended 4 different physios had xrays done and went to two osteopaths all of which told me different things! If anyone can lead me in the right direction to getting sorted id be grateful because its ruining my life I cant do anything! Thanks.

Mar 20, 2011
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OMG--Yes Voodoo Doll! -- UPDATE
by: CB

My foot pain turned out to be a torn ligament. Apparently most of these don't have nerve endings, but this one does! My podiatrist found this with an ultrasound machine. After numbing the area with a freezing spray (thankfully he's one that very good on keeping things as pain free as possible), he injected the area with a collagen. He explained this would act like a bandage--helping to stabilize the area while it healed. He also said it would be around 6 weeks before it would be known if I needed another treatment.

I also had to keep off the foot as much as possible. I also tried to used a sock brace, but I found it very uncomfortable to walk on because of the seams so I only used that a couple of days. I had this done late December 2010 and after a few spasms, following the treatment, it feels completely healed. (Mar 2011)

I don't know how I injured it--this is one of those things that can happen if you play basketball and come down wrong, for example. I don't play sports, but I do have weak ankles that tend to turn if I hit an uneven patch. So that could have done it. This may or may not help if you have a more severe case and may need surgery. The pain comes from the ligament trying to heal and hold the bones together. Ice packs helped, but even propping my feet up did not stop the sudden spasms. It also went on for a couple of months and got worse, so I think treatment was the only option--it wasn't healing on its own.

Mar 16, 2011
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I thought I'd gone saft.
by: Scott.

This is exactly what I am getting too. I've had four attacks of this today.

Funny reading the comment about the Voodoo doll, I made exactly the same quip while doubled up in the kitchen.

Feb 12, 2011
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Shooting ankle pain
by: Anonymous

this is the first time I've heard of someone with this problem other than me! I've always described this pain as shooting electric-like shocking pain. The doctor's couldn't explain it. Not only do I experience those symptoms, my foot goes out. This all started in 2002, and I ended up falling and breaking it. I was having problems with it, wrapped it, tried to be very careful but one minute I was standing at the counter where I worked, and the next second I was on the floor. I have a plate in it but the shooting shocking pain and the paralysis still comes and goes. The sad part is sometimes it is in both ankles. What causes this? I heard MS. Sometimes my wrists do it too, along with my hip. I can't even sweep or mop a floor because my hip will stop me and I literally can't move. The symptoms appear to be related. Cement floors or roads are now pretty scary, because my foot goes out, stops me.

Feb 07, 2011
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same ankle pain....results
by: Suzanne

Ok, after 3 visits to the Orthopedist, an X-ray and an MRI later, they have determined my pain has been caused by a benign Ganglion cyst. I actually have two cysts and early stage arthritis, but the stabbing pain is in the area of the Ganglion cyst. You can read more about these on the left hand side of this page.
The options are: surgery and in a cast for 4 months, steroid shots or anti-inflammatory regimen. I am opting to start with the less invasive and see if that makes it go away. It is so frustrating because it it so sporadic and you never know when it will hit. Since the first visit to the Doc, she advised not exercising on the treadmill for now and that seems to have stopped the sharp pains for the most part. I do have dull aches pretty much all the time but I can live with them. I don't want to stop exercising forever so if the Alleve doesn't help I will try the steriod shots.

Hope all of you find some relief and please post how you are doing.

Thanks!

Jan 16, 2011
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Same ankle pain......
by: Suzanne

I am so glad I found this - I thought I was losing my mind! All of the descriptions ice pick, voo doo doll, etc are exactly what I am feeling. I could add lightning bolt and electric shock as well! I get this on the outside of my right ankle and it started in September. I got this pain out of nowhere just sitting at my computer and it continued about every 15 minutes throughout the day. I have never injured my ankle and do moderate exercise 3 x's a week(treadmill, weights) I was put on a muscle relaxant and it only lasted that one intense day. Or so I thought......
Four months later Jan 12, it returned. A couple stabbing pain episodes a day. I took Alleve and put it on ice. I figured it would go away like it did in September. Wrong!! It continued on for 5 days and finally last night it woke me up every 2 hours and seemed more intense. Alleve and ice did no good. Went to a walk -in clinic since it is a Sunday and the P.A. said she had never heard of such and thought it could be tendon related. She is referring me to an Orthopedist to get xray, MRI, etc. Thanks for the advice of the CT scan - sure hope I don't need surgery. If anyone can please update me on how they are doing, with or without surgery I would be so grateful!

Dec 08, 2010
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OMG--Yes Voodoo Doll!
by: CB

The comment about the voodoo doll hit home. I have exactly that symptom on the outside right ankle. Like someone is stabbing it with an ice pick! There's no warning...it usually occurs when I'm sitting. I have to stop myself from screaming when it happens at work. And the pain spasms for about 30 seconds. I do get some relief when I get up and walk around, but I can't do that all the time. Guess I'll have to see a podiatrist...

I haven't injured my foot--I also wonder if it's the chair I'm using since it mostly happens when I'm at work. One habit I'm trying to correct: Stop sitting with my ankles crossed--maybe that pulled on the tendon.

Good luck everyone.

Nov 22, 2010
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sharp shooting pain on the outside of left ankle
by: Anonymous

This is the same type of pain i am experiencing! I awoke in the middle of the night with what I thought was someone stabbing my foot and ankle, it was swollen on the left inside and I tried Advil w/ no results, heat, ice and finally soaked it in epsom salt in VERY hot water, i was able to relieve some of the pain and get back to sleep within 2.5 hours and not have any further stabbing, burning, pain symptoms. I did allegedly break the foot at the joint over a year ago and wore a hard boot for 8-12 weeks however, this pain is in a different. Could it be a lack of calcium or an arthritic syndrome or really the peroneal tendon? Please respond as I really need my rest!!!!

Oct 18, 2010
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I can't believe I found this!
by: Cynthia

I echo - this is CRAZY!

I suddenly started having this sharp pain like - yes- like I'm a victim of a voodoo doll or like I'm being stabbed with an iron rod on the outside of my ankle.

No memory of twisting my ankle or anything triggering this.

It just whacks me out of the blue randomly and the pain will make me gasp and take my breath away.

I'm putting ice on the area a few times a day to see if that helps.

Aug 06, 2010
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Ankle pains
by: Anonymous

My doc told me it was swelling in the peroneal tendon, that was causing my pain. The symptoms being discussed sound like what I was having. Dr gave me a steroid shot, but it still is hurting. Looks like surgery in mid Sept to correct the issue. Split the sheathing around tendon and remove and deteriorated section

Jun 30, 2010
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This is so crazy, glad I found this article.
by: Suanne

WOW. I was just in the ER yestarday with this same thing. I've had it for around 2 years now, off and on. BUT~yestarday I woke around 3 am with the worst pain in my life!! All day, I was in agony with it. It happens so sudden, and its so bad that it literally takes my breath away. Like a burning, stabbing sensation right under the protruding ankle bone on the left foot for me. I literally could have been shot in that spot and not have known the difference the pain is so severe. The ER doc was so rude to me, thinking that I was just drug seeking. I cant make the pain occur, it only happens at certain times!! I dont know what it is, but please someone out there, give us some darned hope!!!

Thank you!

Mar 05, 2010
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This could be the problem.....
by: Annie

Hello fellow sufferers. This link gives a potential explanation. It's about the peroneal tendon:

http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/peroneal-tendon.htm

Good luck.

Jan 17, 2010
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sharp ankle pain
by: Anonymous

I too experience this pain on my right ankle, just below the ankle bone on the outside of the foot. I last anywhere from a minute to a few minutes and then just goes away. I'm very active, never acts up during running, yoga, but today while skiing it struck again. I've been told to do the abc's with my foot, drawing each letter with my foot. I don't notice any difference.

Dec 31, 2009
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pain only when there is pressure!!
by: Anonymous

Okay, I found some people like me...I have a sudden sharp pain in left outside ankles...no reason..just started and can not walk on it now...no pressure at all..this happened once before, but rested it and all was better..now it just won't let me up...No pain as long as there is no pressure.

Apr 15, 2009
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Problem Found
by: Scott Nusbuam

Well i went to the doctor and had x-rays but nothing showed up, went back a month later and had an MRI done but still nothing. finally i went back and they did a CT Scan and found that my main Joint in my foot is one solid mass, this is the cause of the sharp pain at night and why i have no range of motion. I am going in for surgery on the 22nd of this month and they are putting two screws in to make a proper swinging joint, this will take away the pain and give me my life back. I am so happy they found this and i was not just going crazy. If none of your doctors found anything, please ask them to do a CT Scan, they will find anything if there is something to find. Thanks and hope this helps. BTW, I have no insurance so i have been going to county hospital, that is why it takes so long to get checked out.

Apr 15, 2009
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Results
by: Trisha

Hi Everyone!

I went to the doctor and they took an x-ray of my ankle. It turns out that the sharp pains are muscle spasms. He told me to stretch my ankle up and down and side to side.

Apr 15, 2009
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Good info on this subject!
by: Anonymous

This is crazy!!! We are all experiencing the EXACT same symptoms, yet no one is posting any responses telling us what is wrong!!! I broke my ankle and was in three different casts for a total of almost 3 months. About a week after transitioning out of my aircast, while wearing a brace, I took 3 "jog type" steps and instantly had this pain. I was put back in a cast for 4 weeks, I wore it dilligently for 5 weeks. After a week of wearing my bace I took a 1 "job type" step and had the same type of pain X10 as I experienced after my first "brace" only worse this time. I have an appointment on 4/16/09 and will definitely post the results. What's the point of sharing you experiences if nobody is going to see/read/hear/etc. them????

Apr 15, 2009
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Mar 05, 2009
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Ankle Pain
by: Trisha

Did anyone get any answers? I experienced this pain when I was pregnant and thought it was just a crazy pregnancy thing. I am experiencing this again. It is horrible. It's about the size of a pin on the upper left ankle and feels like I am being stabbed.

Feb 13, 2009
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Scott and Liz- what's the diagnosis?
by: Tara

Scott and Liz,

What was the diagnosis? Were they able to pinpoint anything?

Thanks,

Feb 02, 2009
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Same Here
by: Scott Nusbuam

I have the same problem, I am going for an MRI today, and hope to hear some good news, as in, they can fix it. I will post what I find out, so as to help you and others with this problem. Man just last night, I went to bed on my back(best for me) and an hour into sleep, I was woken by what seemed like a murder on my foot, the sharp pain was horrible.

Jan 20, 2009
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me too!
by: Joanne

I'm having the same sharp, stabbing pains that you describe. It feels as if I am the victim of a voo doo doll! OUCH! What did you find out?

Dec 30, 2008
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Follow up
by: Dean

Hey Liz,

Did you end up finding out what was the cause of your pain? I'm curious because I'm experiencing the symptoms you described.

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sharp shooting pain on the outside of my right ankle

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sharp shooting pain on the outside of my right ankle