Bursitis near the lateral malleolus: what to know

The lateral malleolus is the prominent bone on the outside of the ankle. A bursa in this area can become irritated by tight footwear, repeated rubbing, direct pressure, or a knock. The area may look puffy and feel tender, especially when a shoe presses against it. Other problems, including a sprain, skin infection, tendon irritation, gout, or a fracture, can produce pain or swelling in a similar location, so the label should not be assumed from appearance alone.

Reduce rubbing and pressure by changing footwear, loosening restrictive fastenings, and using gentle padding that does not compress the swollen spot. Pause activities that repeatedly provoke pain, but keep the ankle moving comfortably rather than holding it completely still. A wrapped cold pack can ease soreness for short periods; protect the skin with cloth. A clinician can check the diagnosis and discuss whether anti-inflammatory medicine is appropriate given your stomach, kidney, heart, pregnancy, allergy, and medication history. Do not puncture or drain the swelling yourself.

Arrange an assessment if swelling persists, returns, follows an injury, interferes with walking, or cannot be explained by footwear pressure. Seek prompt medical care when the skin is hot, increasingly red, broken, or draining, or when fever accompanies the swelling, because infection needs timely treatment. Urgent evaluation is also appropriate after a significant injury if you cannot bear weight, the ankle appears deformed, or the foot becomes numb, pale, or cold.

Ask which structure is swollen, whether examination or imaging is needed to exclude a tendon or bone injury, and how your footwear can be modified. If an injection or aspiration is proposed, ask what finding supports it, what risks apply, and how infection will be ruled out first.