The evaluation of ankle pain begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings of ankle pain may include:

• Ankle bruising
• Ankle deformity
• Ankle redness
• Ankle swelling
• Ankle tenderness
• Difficulty walking
• Inability to move the joint
• Inability to walk

Testing may be required to make the diagnosis for ankle pain.

Tests that may be used to evaluate ankle pain include:

• X-ray of the ankle:
• Normal ankle x-rays
• Ankle fracture
• MRI of the ankle
• Nuclear bone scan
• Arthroscopy of the ankle
• Arthrocentesis of the ankle
• Serum uric acid level
• Complete blood count
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate