Foot  and ankle pain is a common problem, and we are all at risk of developing it. Still, if you know the reasons behind these pains, there are better ways to manage or even prevent them from happening. Take a read of this article for insight on the most common causes of pain in the foot and ankle and what you can do about them!

5 Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Pain

1. Sprains and Strains

Sprains often cause chronic foot and ankle pain. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tissue that connects bones. The ligaments in your feet and ankles are particularly vulnerable to injury because they support a lot of weight and are used constantly throughout the day.

Sprains can range from mild to severe, depending on the damage to the ligament. A mild sprain may only cause discomfort, while a severe sprain can be extremely painful and make walking difficult. Recovery from a sprain can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.

If you suspect a sprain, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. They can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of treatment. Treatment for a sprain usually involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). You may also need physical therapy or surgery if the sprain is severe.

2. Stress Fracture

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone. It happens when too much force is on the bone, such as from running or jumping. The most common places for stress fractures are in the foot and ankle.

Symptoms of a stress fracture include pain that gets worse with activity, swelling, and tenderness. If you have these symptoms, you should see a doctor. Stress fractures can usually be treated with rest, ice, and elevation. In some cases, you may need to wear a boot or cast.

Stress fractures are more common in people who exercise regularly. They’re also more common in women than men. This may be because women have smaller bones than men. People with osteoporosis (a condition that causes bones to become fragile) are also at higher risk for stress fractures.

3. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis can cause chronic foot or ankle pain. Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation of the thick band of tissue running along your bottom. Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and debilitating. This can make it difficult for you to walk, stand, or even stand for prolonged periods.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by several things, including high arches and calf muscles. Also, flat feet can result from shoes that don’t provide enough support. There are many treatment options available for plantar fasciitis. These include stretching exercises, ice and rest, as well as a combination of both. If severe pain persists, your doctor might recommend surgery or physical therapy.

You may think that you have plantar fasciitis. If this is the case, you should see a doctor to properly diagnose and treat it. Plantar fasciitis should not stop you from leading a healthy and active life.

4. Arthritis

One of the most common causes of chronic foot and ankle pain is arthritis. Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. There are many types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common type, affecting the feet and ankles.

Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear type of arthritis that occurs because of aging, overuse of joints and injury. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiffness, pain, swelling, and reduced motion in the affected joint. Treatment for osteoarthritis typically involves a combination of physical therapy, medication, and weight management.

5. Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon attaches the heel bone and calf muscle. It is a condition in which the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed. It can arise due to overuse of the tendon, such as during running or jumping. An injury can also cause it to the tendon.

Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, especially when walking or running. Treatment for Achilles tendonitis typically involves rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tendon.

If you experience any of the above symptoms or other foot and ankle pain, contact experienced doctors at AOA Ortho. Fill out the form below to contact our team.