Foot and Ankle Pain

When managing injuries of the foot and ankle, all of the typical clinical considerations must be thought of (type of injury, severity, healing time, type and level of activity, etc.), but it is also important to consider other factors such as foot type, biomechanics, footwear worn during activity, and external supports such as bracing or taping. The foot is the base of the lower quarter kinetic chain, thus if rehabilitation and treatment are not managed properly, an injury to the foot or ankle can ultimately cause secondary injuries elsewhere up the chain.

SYMPTOMS OF FOOT/ANKLE PAIN

Foot pain can run along the outer side of the foot and ankle. It can occur before, during, or after activities such as walking and running. Lateral(outer part of the foot) foot pain can make it difficult for people to move around or even stand. Lateral foot pain can cause a variety of symptoms, most of which depend on which part of the foot is affected.

The most common symptoms include:

· Pain on the outer side of the ankle

· Instability of the foot

· Swelling

· Tenderness

· Difficulty walking

· Susceptibility to ankle sprains

· Difficulty in standing on the foot

COMMON CAUSES OF FOOT PAIN

Foot/ankle pain is usually felt either under the ankle or just behind. Pain typically starts gradually, with no injury to the affected area. It is often triggered by wearing a flat shoe. In most cases the pain is under the foot, towards the front of the foot. Home care such as rest, ice, proper-fitting footwear and foot supports are often enough to ease foot pain. Foot pain is not usually caused by a single injury, such as a twist or fall, but from repetitive stress and pounding of the foot.

Plantar fasciitis, or inflammation of the plantar fascia: The plantar fascia is a strong bowstring-like ligament that runs from the calcaneum (heel bone) to the tip of the foot.This type of pain often happens because of the way the foot is made, for example, if the arches are especially high or low.

Heel bursitis: Inflammation can occur at the back of the ankle, in the bursa, a fibrous sac full of fluid. It can result from landing awkwardly or hard on the heels or from pressure from footwear. Pain may be felt deep inside the ankle or at the back of the foot. Sometimes, the Achilles tendon may swell. As the day progresses, the pain usually gets worse.

Runners bump: Also known as pump bumps, these are common in teenagers. The ankle bone is not yet fully mature, and it rubs excessively, resulting in the formation of too much bone. It is often caused by having a flat foot. It can be caused by starting to wear high heels before the bone is fully mature.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome: A large nerve in the back of the foot becomes pinched or entrapped (compressed). This is a type of compression neuropathy that can occur either in the ankle or foot.

Chronic inflammation of the heel pad: This is caused either by the ankle pad becoming too thin, or through heavy footsteps.

Stress fracture: This is linked to repetitive stress, strenuous exercise, sports, or heavy manual work. Runners are particularly prone to stress fracture in the metatarsal bones of the foot. It can also be caused by osteoporosis.

Severs disease: This is the most common cause of foot pain in child and teenage athletes, caused by overuse and repetitive microtrauma of the growth plates of the ankle bone.

Achilles tendinosis: This is also known as degenerative tendinopathy, tendonitis,tendinosis, and tendinopathy. It is a chronic condition associated with the progressive degeneration of the Achilles tendon. Sometimes the Achilles tendon does not function properly because of multiple, minor microscopic tears of the tendon, which cannot heal and repair themselves correctly. As the Achilles tendon receives more tension than it can cope with, microscopic tears develop. Eventually, the tendon thickens, weakens, and becomes painful.

Here at Redwood City Health and Wellness we provide several natural and drug free ways to help manage and relieve your pain. We also value the importance of an interdisciplinary approach for conditions and treatment options not offered through Redwood City Health and Wellness, we will do our best to recommend you to the healthcare practitioner that best suits your needs.