Foot and Ankle Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

North Beverley Medical Centre

Pighill Lane
Off Woodall Way
BEVERLEY
HU17 7JY
Telephone: 01482 882546

Medical Emergencies dial 999

Out of Hours:  dial  111

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FOOT & ANKLE PAIN

Common Causes

  • Sprains and Strains:
    • Sprains involve ligament injuries, while strains affect muscles or tendons. These are common due to twists or falls.
  • Fractures:
    • Breaks in the bones of the foot or ankle often result from high-impact injuries or stress fractures from repetitive force.
  • Bursitis::
    • Inflammation of the bursa (a small sac of fluid) that cushions the elbow joint.
  • Arthritis:
    • Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout can cause inflammation and pain in the foot and ankle joints.
  • Plantar Fasciitis:
    • Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament connecting the heel bone to the toes, leading to heel pain.
  • Tendinitis
    • Inflammation of the tendons, such as Achilles tendinitis, causing pain in the back of the ankle.
  • Bursitis:
    • Inflammation of the bursae, the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles.
  • Flat Feet:
    • A condition where the arches of the feet are flattened, leading to pain and discomfort.
  • Heel Spurs:
    • Calcium deposits causing a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone.
  • Morton’s Neuroma:
    • Calcium deposits causing a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone.
  • Diabetic Neuropathy:
    • Nerve damage caused by diabetes, leading to pain and numbness in the feet.

Symptoms

  • Pain, swelling, and tenderness in the foot or ankle.
  • Bruising or discoloration.
  • Difficulty walking or bearing weight.
  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion
  • Numbness or tingling (particularly in cases involving nerve issues).

Diagnosis

  • Physical Examination: :
    • A doctor will check the foot and ankle for swelling, bruising, deformity, and range of motion.
  • X-rays: :
    • To detect fractures and joint issues.
  • MRI or CT Scans: 
    • For detailed images of soft tissues, ligaments, and tendons.
  • Ultrasound: 
    • To evaluate soft tissue structures.
  • Blood Tests:
    • To check for arthritis or other systemic conditions.

Treatment Options

Self-Care and Home Remedies

1. RICE Method

  • Rest:
    • Avoid activities that cause pain.
  • Ice:
    • Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling.
  • Compression::
    • Use an elastic bandage to compress the area and reduce swelling.
  • Elevation:
    • Keep the foot elevated to help reduce swelling.

2. Pain Relief 

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol.

3. Footwear

  • Wear supportive shoes with proper arch support and cushioning

Medical Treatments

  • Physical Therapy
    • Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the foot and ankle and improve flexibility.
  • Orthotics
    • Custom insoles or shoe inserts to support the arch and alleviate pain.
  • Medications
    • Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
  • Surgery
    • In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to repair ligaments, tendons, or fractured bones.

Lifestyle Changes & Prevention

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight:
    • Reduces stress on the feet and ankles.
  • Regular Exercise
    • Strengthens muscles and improves flexibility but avoid high-impact activities that strain the feet.
  • Proper Footwear;
    • Wear shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning.
  • Warm-Up and Stretching:
    • Before physical activity to prepare the muscles and prevent injuries

When to Seek Medical Help

  • Severe pain or swelling that doesn't improve with home treatment.
  • Inability to walk or bear weight.
  • Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, and fever
  • Numbness or tingling in the foot or ankle.

Consulting with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan is essential for effectively managing foot and ankle pain.