Suffering From Foot Or Ankle Pain?
About 20% of adults experience foot and ankle pain.
The foot and ankle are complex and hard working parts of our bodies. A lot of stress goes through the feet as they are our contact point to the ground. Having pain in the feet and ankles can affect our ability to get up and go places and may increase our likelyhood of falling. Learn about some of the common foot and ankle conditions we treat at Evomotion Health and Wellness.
Common Causes Of Foot And Ankle Pain
Ankle Sprains
The ankle has many ligaments to help stabilize the joint. On the outside of the ankle we have 3 ligaments that resist the foot from inward rolling of the ankle and on the inside of the ankle we have the deltoid ligament which is made up of 4 smaller ligaments that resist outward rolling of the ankle. An inversion sprain, which stretches the outer ligaments is the most common sports injury and occurs with a sudden twist or stepping off an uneven surface.
Symptoms May Include:
- Ankle pain on the side that was stretched
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Local swelling and bruising
- Feeling of ankle giving way
- Decrease in ankle range of motion due to pain
- May have heard a "pop" at time of injury
Achilles Tendinopathy
The Achilles tendon is a tough, fibrous band of tissue that unites the gastrocnemius and solues calf muscles and attaches to the heel bone. It is the strongest tendon in the body. Up to 10x a person's body weight can pass through the tendon during activity. Injury is do to a combination of deconditioning, overuse, and overload of the tendon.
Symptoms May Include:
- Sharp, heel pain during exercise or activity
- Stiffness upon getting up after prolonged sitting or sleeping
- Swelling that may cause difficulty putting on shoe
- Decreased strength of the calf muscles
- Limited ankle flexibility
- A total rupture will have a "snapping" sensation and inability to point toes downwards
Plantar Fasciitis
Pantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia is a thick, fibrous band of tissue that connects your heel with your toes. It is often caused by repetitive walking, running, or standing too long. It is a very common condition that accounts for 15% of all foot pain.
Symptoms May Include:
- A "piercing" type pain, 1-2cm from the heel bone towards the toes
- Radiation of pain to the sole of the foot
- Worst when taking first step in the morning or after periods of prolonged rest
- Aggravation with weight bearing activities
- Relief of pain with rest
- Associated tightness in Achilles tendon
Peripheral Joint Dysfunction
There are 26 bones and 33 joints that make up the foot and ankle. They all work with one another to allow for good balance while standing and efficent movement when walking or running. If a joint becomes restricted it can have an effect on the entire foot and ankle function.
Symptoms May Include:
- Dull and achy pain at the specific joint(s) affected
- Sharp pain at the specific joint(s) at end ranges of motion or weight bearing
- Stiffness and tightness at the joint
- Restricted movement of the joint
- Muscle spasms
- Slight swelling and redness
