Overview
The foot and ankle engage with almost every movement you make. It is even involved when you’re just standing still. Several bones meet together at the ankle and are supported by a number of tendons and ligaments. The joint allows your foot to move freely and the joint also bears considerable weight at every step. When it’s working well, you don’t think about the mechanics of your foot and ankle. When something’s wrong, the pain can be immobilising.
Causes of Foot or Ankle Pain
Fracture and Dislocation
Fractures or broken bones are one of the most common types of injuries sustained by individuals of all ages. Most of the time, these injuries are relatively minor and can be treated using casts or splints; however, some cases do require surgery.
Foot Pain
Bunion
This is a bony protrusion around a joint, which is typically found at the base of the big or little toe. Bunions can result from prolonged stress on the joint, especially from wearing tight and pointed shoes. Women are more susceptible to developing bunions, and arthritis can also contribute to their formation.
Plantar Fasciitis
This condition causes severe heel pain, particularly when standing up after resting. It occurs due to overuse and inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes.
Hammertoe
This condition involves an abnormal bending of the toe joint, causing the toe to curl downward instead of pointing forward. This can result from muscle imbalances, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or other factors. Treatment may include wearing comfortable shoes, toe exercises, and in severe cases, surgical intervention.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain and inflammation. Soaking your foot in warm water and gently lifting the ingrown edge may help, but if it persists or becomes infected, it's advisable to see a healthcare professional.
Ankle Pain
Ankle Sprain
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments, which connects bones to one another. In most cases of ankle sprain, the ankle is twisted inward, causing small tears in the ligaments. This makes the ankle unstable. The tearing leads to swelling and bruising, making it difficult to bear weight on the joint.
Achilles Tendon Injury
The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, is prone to rupture or tendonitis (inflammation) from overuse. This can result in pain and limited mobility.
Struggling with foot or ankle pain? Explore the available treatments for your foot or ankle pain here
