Major Reasons You Face Chronic Ankle and Foot Pain
You don’t think about your feet and ankles normally, but when you have chronic foot and ankle pain, it’s another story. Your feet hurt when you walk or run and your ankles ache when you climb stairs. Many things can cause chronic foot or ankle pain. Read on to learn some major reasons you may be experiencing chronic pain, then go to an ankle and foot specialist and get back to going where you need to go and doing the things you enjoy.
Your Heel
Two major causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis and bone spurs. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes. The cure could be as simple as putting ice on the bottom of your foot or putting insoles in your shoes. Spurs are growths on the bottom of your heel. Wearing shoes with special pads or heels will help improve the problem.
Ball of Your Foot
Two conditions that can cause pain in the ball of your foot are Morton’s neuroma and sesamoiditis. Morton’s neuroma is caused by the thickening of nerves between the third and fourth toes. The condition is treated with padding, taping, and medication. Sesamoiditis occurs when tendons around the sesamoid bone near the big toe become inflamed or injured. Wearing foot pads should help.
Your Arch
Plantar fasciitis can also cause pain in your arch. Another cause of pain in your arch is flat feet. Flat feet can be managed with shoe inserts. The condition isn’t usually painful, but if it is, medication and therapies can be recommended.
Your Toes
Two major sources of toe pain are gout and claw toe. Gout is a form of arthritis and causes pain in the joints, especially the big toe. It’s treated with medication, ice, and elevation of the leg. Claw toe occurs when the toe joint closest to the ball of the foot bends upward while the other joints go downward. A splint can be used to straighten the toes. Special pads and shoes help with discomfort.
Your Ankle
One of these 5 conditions could be causing your chronic ankle pain:
· Arthritis: Your ankle is a joint, so it may develop arthritis. Osteoarthritis comes on gradually and progresses with time. The ankle becomes stiff, particularly after inactivity. Rheumatoid arthritis results in swollen or red joints.
· Strain or injury: Chronic pain can develop after an ankle strain or injury. For example, scar tissue or hypermobility, a joint moving beyond its normal range, may develop.
· Synovitis: Synovitis refers to the inflammation of the synovial membrane lining the ankle joint. The joint swells and you experience pain with movement.
· Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerves in the ankle are compressed. The condition can occur after an injury or be caused by diabetes or arthritis. Symptoms include pain in the sole of the foot and numbness near the bottom of the foot.
· Tendonitis: Tendonitis occurs when the tissue connecting muscle to bone is inflamed. This can occur after an ankle sprain.
Often, your ankle pain will be treated conservatively, for example, with rest, ice, or leg elevation. Your ankle condition may require medication, joint injections, or physical therapy. If necessary, the best foot and ankle surgeons in The Woodlands, TX, will take necessary steps, including ankle repair or reconstruction, to relieve your chronic pain.
If you suffer from chronic ankle or foot pain, call Ankle & Foot Specialists at our Woodlands office, 936-271-3668. Make an appointment today and we’ll help you experience relief starting tomorrow.