What causes foot and ankle pain?
Common causes of foot and ankle pain include:
Sprained ankle
Sprains cause damage to the soft tissue and ligaments in your ankle. Ankle sprains commonly occur when jumping and landing, or during activities that involve changing direction rapidly, especially on uneven surfaces.
Metatarsal stress fracture
The metatarsal bones are in your foot. A stress fracture of your metatarsal is most likely to occur over time when you regularly take part in activities like running, jumping, or dancing. Stress fractures often develop after you increase activity levels or change how you train.
Morton's neuroma
Morton's neuroma causes localized swelling of the nerve and soft tissues between the third and fourth metatarsal bones (the long bones of your foot).
Navicular stress fracture
The navicular bone is on the inner side of your foot. A navicular stress fracture develops gradually due to overuse during weight-bearing activities like running and jumping.
Plantar fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a tough piece of connective tissue that stretches from your heel to your toes on the bottom of your foot. Inflammation in the tissue results in plantar fasciitis. Repetitive activities, being overweight or obese, and having flat feet or high arches can all increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
How do you diagnose foot and ankle pain?
The Performance Pain and Sports Medicine team can tell a great deal about the possible causes of your foot and ankle pain by conducting a physical exam and discussing your symptoms with you.
Ankle sprains, for example, cause immediate pain and noticeable swelling, usually on the outside of your ankle. Movements that stretch the lateral ligaments worsen the pain. Stress fractures cause pain that develops more slowly, typically worsening when you're active and easing off when you rest.
A sharp, burning, or shooting pain at the base of your forefoot or toes accompanied by pins and needles sensations or numbness suggests Morton's neuroma.
Plantar fasciitis pain tends to worsen after a long rest or when you wake in the morning, eases off as you start moving, then returns if you're too active. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain.
To confirm the preliminary diagnosis, the Performance Pain and Sports Medicine team conducts diagnostic imaging tests such as ultrasound scans, X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI scan.
How do you treat foot and ankle pain?
Foot or ankle pain typically improves with rest and the use of hot compresses and ice packs to reduce inflammation. Other treatments that could benefit you include:
- Braces or splints
- Pain-killing medication
- Anti-inflammatories
- Joint injections
- Acupuncture
Regenerative medicine treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, stem cell therapy, prolotherapy, and PURION® processed AmnioFix® could also help promote cell growth and heal damaged soft tissues.
Find out how Performance Pain and Sports Medicine can help you recover from foot and ankle pain by calling one of their offices today. You’ll find cutting-edge care available in hours convenient to your busy schedule.
