Why are ankle cramps so painful and what causes them to be painful?

An ankle: Really does not cramp. An ankle is a bone or a joint, muscles cramp. It can be from dehydration, spasm or overworked muscle, nutritional deficiency to name a few reasons. Try drinking water, stretching the area of the cramp or massaging. You can try eating a banana or two as this would raise potassium. You can take a magnesium supplement if cramps persist see a doc.

Lactic acid: The muscle contracts and spasms.