What are some causes for a stabbing pain in the ankle?

Stabbing ankle pain could be the result of several conditions, including common peroneal nerve dysfunction, notes Methodist Sports Medicine Orthopedic Specialists. Trauma or pressure on the nerve can cause stabbing pains in the ankle.

Damage to the nerve causes demyelination of the nerve, which interferes with the conduction of the nerve stimulus, resulting in loss of muscle tone and control, according to the Methodist Sports Med group. Electromyography can be beneficial to determine if this is the cause of pain. Medications such as gabapentin can control the symptoms, and physical therapy exercises may be appropriate. The condition sometimes requires bracing and splinting of the ankle.