Ankle & Foot Pain

Ankle & Foot Pain

Ankle and foot pain are common issues that can arise from various causes, including injuries, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. They affect mobility and quality of life.

The ankle and foot are critical for mobility, balance, and bearing the body’s weight, making them susceptible to pain and injury. Ankle and foot pain can significantly impact your ability to perform daily activities, participate in sports, or even walk comfortably. Conditions such as sprains, fractures, and plantar fasciitis are frequent causes of pain in these regions.

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Symptoms

Ankle and foot pain may present with a variety of symptoms depending on the underlying condition:

Pain

Sharp, dull, or throbbing, often worsened by activity or weight-bearing.

Localised swelling around the ankle or foot, indicating inflammation.

Discoloration due to injury or trauma.

Feeling weakness or instability in the ankle or foot, especially during movement.

Difficulty moving the ankle or foot fully due to stiffness or pain.

Sensations of pins and needles, or reduced sensation, possibly due to nerve compression or injury.

Causes

Ankle and foot pain can result from a variety of conditions and injuries.

  • Ankle Sprains: Injury to the ligaments surrounding the ankle, often caused by twisting or rolling the ankle.
  • Fractures: Breaks in the ankle or foot bones, typically due to trauma or overuse.
  • Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, causing heel pain.
  • Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, commonly affecting the Achilles tendon.
  • Arthritis: Joint inflammation, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, leading to chronic pain and stiffness.
  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints.
  • Flatfoot (Pes Planus): A condition where the arch of the foot collapses, leading to pain and discomfort.
  • Gout: A form of arthritis where uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, causing sudden, severe pain.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase the risk of ankle and foot pain.

  • High-Impact Activities: Participation in sports or activities that involve running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction.
  • Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support or cushioning.
  • Age: Older adults are more prone to arthritis and other degenerative conditions that affect the foot and ankle.
  • Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on the feet and ankles, increasing the risk of injury and pain.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing ankle and foot pain involves a combination of physical assessments and imaging tests.

  • Clinical Examination: Assessing the foot and ankle for tenderness, swelling, deformities, and range of motion.
  • X-rays: To detect fractures or misalignments.
  • MRI: For detailed imaging of soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
  • CT Scan: Provides cross-sectional images of bones and soft tissues.
  • Ultrasound: Useful for assessing soft tissue injuries, such as tendons or ligaments.
  • Blood Tests: To check for underlying conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatments Provided By Us

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is essential to recovery after both surgical and non-surgical treatments.

  • Strengthening Exercises: To improve muscle strength around the ankle and foot.
  • Flexibility and Balance Training: To restore full range of motion and prevent future injuries.
  • Gait Training: To help you walk properly and regain normal movement.
  • Gradual Return to Activity: Rehabilitation helps you transition back to daily activities and sports.

Complications

While most cases of ankle and foot pain resolve with proper treatment, complications can still occur:

  • Chronic Pain: Persistent pain, especially in cases of arthritis or untreated injuries, can affect quality of life and the ability to perform daily activities.
  • Reduced Mobility: Difficulty walking or moving the foot and ankle can lead to a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Instability: Repeated ankle injuries can lead to chronic instability, increasing the risk of further injury.
  • Infection: A risk after surgical procedures, particularly in open fractures or wounds.
  • Nerve Damage: Though rare, untreated injuries or conditions can result in nerve damage, leading to chronic pain or numbness.
  • Delayed Healing: Bones or soft tissues may take longer to heal, especially in individuals with underlying conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis.

Prevention Methods

To prevent ankle and foot pain:

  • Proper Footwear: Wear shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning, especially during physical activities.
  • Strengthening Exercises: Regularly perform exercises to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and foot.
  • Warm-Up and Stretching: Always warm up and stretch before engaging in physical activities to prevent injuries.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keeping a healthy weight reduces stress on the feet and ankles.
  • Avoid High-Impact Activities: Be cautious when participating in activities that put much strain on the feet and ankles.

When To See A Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Persistent Pain: Pain in your ankle or foot that persists for more than a few days without improvement.
  • Inability to Bear Weight: Inability to put weight on the affected foot or ankle.
  • Severe Swelling or Bruising: Severe swelling or bruising, or visible deformity.
  • Numbness or Tingling: Persistent numbness or tingling in your foot or toes.
  • Signs of Infection: Redness, warmth, or fever, which may indicate an infection.

Doctors In-Charge

No one deserves to live a physically limiting life.

Schedule your consultation with our specialists to get back on track with your daily activities today.