Jogging on the spot causing ankle pain

I go to Curves 3+ times a week.  For those that don't know what Curves is, its a circuit type class.  You do one particular machine for 30 seconds, then move on to the next station for 30 seconds and so on.  I don't know if they are all the same all over the world, but at my one, they have the gym equipment, then a rest station (square mat) were most people step or jog on the spot, then another piece of gym equipment etc.  I've been doing the jogging on the spot, but the last few times I've been i've noticed my ankles have been hurting as I'm jogging.  HELP!!! Finally found an exercise I don't hate doing but it hurts!! Any idea what I can do? Do my ankles need a rest??

A few possibilities I think.  First, are you wearing good shoes that still have lots of support in them?  If they are old, the cushioning could be shot, which could be contributing to the pain.  Running shoes last around 500 miles/800 km.  If you are not wearing running shoes or cross-trainers, they almost certainly don't have enough cushioning.

Also, what are you jogging on?  Is the floor cushioned, or just a piece of carpet over concrete?  Concrete is incredibly hard on your joints, and a really bad surface to run/jog on. Even the asphalt on roads is better!  So, if it's not a cushioned floor, I would suggest not jogging.

Have you ever had any ankle injuries?  It may be that there is a bit of weakness that is making itself felt.  You may need to strengthen your ankles.  Balancing exercises are great, also jumping on a trampoline or mini-tramoline. 

I would recommend giving your ankles a rest.  Joint pain isn't normal, and you should listen to your body on this.  Otherwise, it may get a lot worse and you won't be able to do anything!

Good luck!

Thanks runner,  I don't know how good my shoes are, they are New Balance ones, but I don't know how they rate in terms of quality. They are fairly new though.

The "squares" we jog on are like.. made of wood, with a sort of soft cushioned stuff in the middle, looks like its made from the same stuff as those dense foam mats you can get for the likes of yoga.  They also have it on the underside, the feet are made from the same foam stuff, so that would suggest to me that it is cushioned. I think the square mats are designed for jogging on.

I have had many ankle sprains in the past, particularly during my childhood, but nothing recent.

OK so rest it is (even though I had a two day rest (tuesday/wednesday) this week, perhaps it wasn't enough.  Must say I'm happy to oblige as I'm just itching to get home, its friday 4:50pm bring on the weekend!

First, I second what runnerinvic expressed.

Second: You can also use an ankle support. They sell some good ones in drug stores for $10 and up.

Another thing: if you want, you might go see an orthopedist/sports doctor. You might need inserts for your shoes, or a reevaluation of the condition of your ankles. It could be that you are - unawares - adjusting for the damage and causing a possible unnatural position for other areas of your legs and feet.

Also, if your ankles hurt and swell, don't forget RICE - Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

Me, I had a peroneal tear when I was 17, I'm 44 now, and it can still give me trouble. I've strengthened the muscles with rebounding, but I have to be careful not to overdo with the walking and aerobics.

Here's a link for you.
They have some nice, short, to-the-point information, even if they are selling stuff. The stuff can be ignored.

Thanks for the advice blackthorne.  I've had a pretty good rest over the weekend (didn't exercise AT ALL!!) Ankles actually felt a bit sore walking around on Saturday, they feel fine today, guess I'll see what happens when I go to Curves today.

I notice you posted this over a year ago, but I thought I would give it a shot and reply.  My ankles hurt extremely bad and I have been going to curves for about 3 weeks now.  They usually hurt after I go to curves, but yesterday they even hurt while I was AT curves.  Needless to say I have to rest them today because I don't think I can do that again.. Just wondered if anyone had any advice?

 

Thank