Foot & Ankle Pain

The hyperextension of the ankle can lead to sprains and tears. Hyperextension is when the foot comes into contact with a surface at an angle that the tendons cannot support. Pain in the ankle can also be due to conditions unrelated to trauma such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis and tendinitis, just to name a few.

A sprained ankle is definitely a problem that deserves medical attention. A physician can evaluate and recommend a course of treatment. The best way to get rid of pain once and for all is to get treatment for it as soon as possible. The ankle is made up of 3 joints, the proper or talocrural joint, the subtalar joint, and the inferior tibiofibular joint.


Proper or Talocrural Joint

The ankle joint allows up-and-down movement of the foot. The talocrural joint is a synovial hinge joint that connects the ends of the tibia and fibula with the end of the talus.


The Subtalar Joint

The subtalar joint allows inversion and eversion of the foot. The subtalar joint is susceptible to arthritis, especially when it has previously been sprained. Symptoms of subtalar joint arthritis includes pain when walking and loss of range of motion. Physical therapy is one of the main treatment options.


The Inferior and Superior Tibiofibular Joint

The inferior tibiofibular joint is fibrous joint. It is formed by the rough, surface of the medial side of the end of the fibula, and a surface on the side of the tibia.The bones of the leg, tibia and fibula, are articulated with each other at two places. One of them is the inferior and the other is superior.The joint receives its nerve supply from deep peroneal and tibial nerves. The superior tibiofibular joint does not contain any capsule, But the inferior tibiofibular joint does.


Conditions Associated with Foot & Ankle Pain

  • Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteooporosis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
  • Sciatica
  • Tendinitis and Bursitis

Common Treatments for Foot & Ankle Pain

  • Epidural Nerve Block
  • Medication Management
  • Rehabilitation

Foot & Ankle Pain FAQs

Ankle sprains are caused by Injury to one or more ankle ligaments. Ankle sprains are difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone. Accordingly, a person should consult a doctor. Most family doctors and urgent care clinics can quickly diagnose an ankle sprain. They may refer the victim to an orthopedist or a foot and ankle surgeon in cases of severe damage.

Ankle discomfort is a fairly common phenomenon in modern society. You are not alone if you suffer from ankle pain that wasn't caused by an injury. There are several reasons for ankle discomfort, the most common being wear and tear. Your ankle may also be inflamed by different types of arthritis such as gout, osteoarthritis of rheumatoid arthritis, overuse, wearing high heels, recently changed shoes, poor blood circulation, nerve damage or continuing to exercise while in pain.

We recommend you to seek medical attention immediately if you:

  • Feel discomfort or a lot of swelling.
  • Severe deformity or open wound.
  • Signs of infection include redness, heat, and pain in the affected area.
  • Temperature above 100 degrees F (37.8 C)
  • Unable to put weight on your feet.
  • Swelling remains after two to five days of home treatment.
  • You have chronic pain, which is marked by severe bruising or swelling.

Soft tissue wounds will heal within a few days if you follow some simple self-care techniques. Try RICE treatment during the first 2-3 days.

  • Rest- Avoid putting weight on your injured foot or ankle.
  • Apply ice - apply an ice pack or frozen vegetables to the painful area for 20 minutes every 2-3 hours, wrapped in a damp towel.
  • Compression- Wrap the bandage around the injured area - tight enough to support it, but not so tight that it interferes with blood circulation.
  • Elevate your feet to reduce swelling.

The time a sprained ankle takes to heal depends on the extent of your Injury. Small sprains can heal in two weeks, but large sprains can take six to twelve weeks to heal. You should remain cautious and protect the injured area for several months to let it recover fully.

Most people experience foot pain from time to time, but you should see a doctor if your feet are painful or swollen regularly. Look out for these warning signs-

  • You have a pre-existing medical condition, such as diabetes.
  • Discomfort in the legs is often accompanied by swelling or redness.
  • Having trouble putting weight on your feet for more than two to five days.
  • Pain comes and goes.
  • Pain that lasts for weeks.

Pain can occur in different areas of the foot, and specific disorders are often associated with these areas. They are as follows:

Bottom: Plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects the lower part of the foot.

Arch: Posterior tibial tendonitis and tarsal tunnel syndrome affect the foot's arch.

Ball: Bunion, hammer toe, ankle pain, big toe, and Morton's neuroma are all conditions that affect the ball of the foot/toe.

Yes. Many individuals are unaware of how being overweight might affect their feet. It just takes one pound of excess weight to put ten pounds of strain on your feet and ankles. It also wears down and wears away the connective tissues and fatty pads of the feet. Being overweight reduces your stride, which can damage the arch and tendons of your foot.