Foot & Ankle

Pain affecting the foot and ankle pain is a very common complaint. It might be a mild annoyance or a debilitating condition that affects your day-to-day activities. Whether you’re dealing with acute or chronic, mild or severe foot and ankle issues, understanding your treatment options will be key to finding the solution that works best for you.

Anatomy of the Foot and Ankle

The foot and ankle consist of numerous bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles that work together to provide stability, support, and mobility. The foot is made up of 26 bones, including the tarsal bones, metatarsal bones, and phalanges. These bones are connected by ligaments and supported by muscles, tendons, and a complex network of nerves and blood vessels. The ankle joint is formed by the meeting of the tibia, fibula, and talus bones.

Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Pain

Depending on the foot or ankle pain causes, it can appear in different ways.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain: This can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain and may be localized to specific areas or radiate through the foot or ankle.
• Swelling: Inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the affected area can lead to visible swelling.
• Stiffness: Difficulty moving the foot or ankle due to tightness or reduced range of motion.
• Weakness: Decreased strength in the foot or ankle, making it challenging to bear weight or perform certain activities.
• Instability: Feeling wobbly or unsteady on the affected foot or ankle.
• Redness or warmth: Signs of inflammation or infection in the affected area.

When to See a Doctor for Foot and Ankle Pain

Minor pain affecting the foot or ankle can often be managed at home with the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). However, some symptoms call for medical attention.

You should see a doctor if you experience:

• Severe pain: Intense or persistent pain that does not improve with rest.
• Inability to Bear Weight: Difficulty walking or standing on the affected foot or ankle.
• Signs of Infection: Such as redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage from a wound.
• Numbness or Tingling: Sensations of pins and needles, which could indicate nerve damage.
• Visible Deformity: Changes in the shape or alignment of the foot or ankle.
• History of Trauma: If the pain follows an injury or accident, such as a fall or twist.

Causes of Pain in the Ankle or Foot

From overuse injuries to medical conditions, there are a variety of factors that can make your feet or ankles hurt.

Pain in this area can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Injuries: Such as sprains, strains, fractures, or dislocations resulting from accidents, sports activities, or excessive pressure.
• Arthritis: Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis or inflammatory forms such as rheumatoid arthritis can affect any of the joints of the body, including the foot and ankle.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons due to repetitive movements or overuse, commonly seen in conditions like achilles tendonitis or peroneal tendonitis.
• Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot.
• Structural Abnormalities: Problems like flat feet or excessively high arches can lead to biomechanical issues and pain as a result.
• Nerve Compression: Conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome or Morton’s neuroma, where nerves in the foot or ankle become compressed or irritated.
• Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections of the skin, nails, or joints can cause pain and inflammation.
• Systemic Diseases: Conditions such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or gout can affect the health and condition of the feet or ankles.

Diagnosis of Foot and Ankle Pain

Because feet and ankles take so much pressure from body weight, pain in this area can be a common issue that many people experience at some point in their lives. Getting an accurate diagnosis for the cause of your problem is essential in order to determine the best course of treatment.

There are several methods that specialist doctors use to diagnose the reason for foot and ankle pain:

• Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will first conduct a physical examination of the affected area. They may look for signs of swelling, redness, bruising, or deformities. They will also assess the range of motion and strength in the affected area.
• Medical History: You will be asked about your medical history, including any previous injuries or conditions that may contribute to your pain.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasound imaging may be recommended to get a closer look at the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues. These tests can help identify fractures, sprains, strains, arthritis, tendonitis, or other issues causing pain.
• Blood Tests: In some cases where systemic conditions like gout or rheumatoid arthritis are suspected as the cause of your problem, blood tests may be conducted to check for markers indicating these conditions.
• Diagnostic Injections: Sometimes a diagnostic injection is used where medication is injected into a specific area to temporarily numb it or reduce inflammation in order to pinpoint the source of pain.
• Nerve Conduction Studies: If nerve damage is suspected as a cause of your foot or ankle pain, a nerve conduction study may be undertaken to help identify problems with your peripheral nerves, such as peripheral neuropathy and nerve compression syndromes.

Treatment for Foot and Ankle Pain

The recommended treatment for your foot or ankle pain will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Common interventions include resting and modifying your activity to enable healing, using ice packs, elevating the affected area to reduce inflammation, and incorporating foot and ankle exercises in physical therapy for improved flexibility and stability.

Orthotic devices such as shoe inserts or braces may be recommended to support the foot and correct alignment issues. Pain relief for ankle or foot discomfort, like NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections can help manage pain and inflammation. In severe cases, immobilization with casting, bracing, or a walking boot may be necessary to promote healing. In extreme cases, surgical intervention may be required to repair damaged tissues, correct deformities, or relieve nerve compression.

Foot and ankle pain can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life, but with proper evaluation and treatment, you can find relief and regain your normal movement and function. If you are suffering from persistent or severe foot or ankle pain, seek advice from one of our expert physicians to address the underlying cause and prevent further complications. Remember, early intervention is key to a speedy recovery and long-term success of your treatment. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.