Foot and ankle pain can make it hard for a person to walk, work, or even stand comfortably. In short, it adversely affects one’s daily life. The region is held together by soft issues, and usually, the pain is due to soft tissue injuries. The pain is usually temporary and may be caused by a sprain or a strain. Knowing the most common ankle pain causes, symptoms and treatments for foot and ankle pain can help you deal with it.
Finding the exact pain point
Foot and ankle pain can impact mobility and overall quality of life. It may originate in one area but usually spreads out and affects other parts of the foot and ankle. Understanding the primary pain point can help identify the causes and seek appropriate treatment.
● Ankle: Pain in the ankle joint can be due to sprains, arthritis, or tendonitis. These conditions often make the joint swell and make it hard to move.
● Pain along the edge of the toenail: This is caused by ingrown toenails or infections, which make the area red, swollen, and sore.
● Back of ankle: This pain is caused due to problems with the Achilles tendon. It can be painful and stiff, especially in case of sudden action after being inactive for a while.
● Heel: Pain in the heel can be a sign of plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. Plantar fasciitis is recognized as a sharp pain in the heel, most commonly experienced in the morning. The pain spreads from the heel to the arch of the foot.
● Middle Part of Foot: This part of the foot can be painful and tender due to conditions like metatarsalgia or stress fractures. Activities can worsen the pain and tenderness.
● Toe or Front Part of Foot: Bunions, hammertoes, or gout can cause pain here. There may be a sharp pain, sometimes even leading to deformities.
● Entire foot: Some diseases, like arthritis or peripheral neuropathy, can hurt the whole foot. The pain is often accompanied by swelling and numbness.
Causes of foot and ankle pain
Lifestyle Causes
Various lifestyle factors can aggravate foot and ankle pain. Hence, it is essential to identify and address the underlying causes. These are some of the common causes of foot pain:
● Foot overuse: Repeated activities or excessive exercise strains the muscles and tendons which causes pain and inflammation.
● Improper Footwear: Shoes that lack appropriate support and comfort, or do not fit well can cause pain. They affect a person’s walk and place pressure on certain foot areas.
● Age: The joints and connective tissues break down among older people, leading to increased pain. This weakens the ankle, making it more likely to get hurt.
● Obesity: Lack of physical activity leads to an unwanted increase in weight. This adds stress to the feet and ankles, increasing the risk of conditions like plantar fasciitis and arthritis.
● Injuries: If neglected, sprains, fractures, and other injuries can lead to pain.
Medical causes
Sometimes, there may be underlying medical causes of ankle pain. These cases need proper attendance. Let us have a look at them:
● Plantar fasciitis: Sometimes, there may be unbearable heel pain, specifically in the morning. This is recognized by the inflammation of plantar fascia, which is the thick tissue band that runs across the bottom of the foot.
● Achilles Tendonitis: Overusing the Achilles tendon (the tendon at the back of your leg, right above your ankle) results in unbearable pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle. Athletes and people who do repetitive activities are more prone to this condition.
● Sprains and strains: These are the most common ligament injuries due to foot twists or rolls. They are most likely to occur during sports and other physical activities. They cause pain, swelling, and limit the foot movement.
● Arthritis: Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis cause joints to swell, hurt, stiffen, and deform over time.
● Fractures: Breaks in the foot or ankle bones must be treated immediately to avoid further problems. They can happen because of trauma or high-impact activities.
Symptoms of foot and ankle pain
There can be accompanying symptoms of foot and ankle pain. Recognising these symptoms is essential for seeking treatment at an appropriate time. Common signs include:
● Mark in black and blue: When someone gets hurt, they often get bruises, which show internal bleeding or damage.
● Burning: This can be a sign of nerve damage or overuse of the foot and ankle.
● Problem Pushing with Toes: This often happens when the toe joints or tendons are hurt, making walking and running hard.
● Feeling of Instability: This is usually caused by damaged ligaments or joint issues, which makes the soles of the feet face inwards.
● Flattened Arch: This can happen because of or be a sign of overpronation, which stresses the arch and heel.
● Inability to bear weight: This is accompanied by severe pain and could mean a fracture or any serious injury that needs immediate medical help.
● Joint deformity: This happens when you have conditions like bunions or advanced arthritis, which changes how your foot looks.
● Feeling numb or tingly: This is usually caused by nerve damage or compression, which can happen in conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome.
● Redness: Swelling or an infection can happen due to gout or cellulitis.
● Stiffness: This happens a lot in case of arthritis or after an injury and makes movement difficult.
● Swelling: Most injuries and inflammatory conditions cause swelling, often accompanied by pain and tenderness.
● Thick or rough skin: The root cause is long-term pressure or calluses, especially in areas that constantly rub against each other.
● Weakness: Muscle problems or serious injuries hamper your strength.
How to treat foot and ankle pain?
Finding relief from foot and ankle pain usually involves a combination of the following techniques:
● Rest and Ice: Applying an ice pack to the affected area for 20 minutes daily can help reduce inflammation and pain.
● Compression and Elevation: To support the foot and ankle, compression sleeves are recommended. Raising the foot above the heart level can counter swelling.
● Pain killers: Various remedies ranging from pain-relieving sprays to anti-inflammatory drugs and over-the-counter medicines help to reduce pain and swelling. But one should consult a doctor before starting any medication.
● Physical therapy: Perform exercises and stretches under the guidance of a healthcare professional. These exercises engage the muscles, strengthen them, make them more flexible, and improve your balance.
● Proper Footwear: Wear shoes that support your feet and fit well. Also, think about getting custom orthotics to help support your arches and spread pressure more evenly.
● Use ankle and foot supports.
Ankle and Foot Supports
Foot and ankle supports are vital for managing and improving foot health. They relieve pain, enhance foot stability, and aid in recovery from various foot and ankle conditions. Different products can be used depending on the target area and the problem. Some of the foot and ankle supports are listed below for reference:
● Braces and splints provide stability and prevent further injury. They are useful for conditions like sprains or after surgery.
● Arch supports ensure even pressure distribution across the foot, reducing strain on the foot.
● Heel Cups: They cushion the heel and reduce impact stress, which benefits in conditions like plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.
● Compression socks effectively reduce swelling by improving blood flow.
● Orthotic Inserts: These are custom-designed inserts to correct foot alignment and provide support, addressing issues like overpronation and flat feet.
● Rigid Braces: They offer maximum support and immobilisation for severe injuries, providing stability and preventing further damage.
● Soft Braces: They provide moderate support while allowing some movement, ideal for less severe injuries and daily activities.
● Night Splints: They keep the foot stretched overnight to alleviate morning pain, commonly used for plantar fasciitis.
● Ankle Sleeves: They offer compression and mild support for everyday activities, reducing swelling and providing minor stability.
● Insoles and Orthotics: They enhance comfort and provide support to everyday footwear.
Conclusion
Various reasons lead to foot and ankle pain, each requiring a unique approach to treatment. Understanding the common causes and symptoms allows you to take proactive measures to effectively manage pain. Using proper footwear and supportive devices, and following a healthy lifestyle can help you stay active and pain-free.
By addressing issues promptly, you can have pain-free feet and ankles, ensuring you remain engaged in the activities you love.
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