It’s never wise to ignore foot and ankle pain. Even if the pain is low-level, it could be the harbinger of something more serious. Worse still, when ignored, small pains can quickly worsen. With that being said, we know that fear of the unknown can often lead people to delay treatment. Dreading invasive procedures such as surgery can cause them to put off checkups, allowing problems to escalate.
Fortunately, help is available. Learning some of the more common causes behind foot and ankle pain can help you understand what you’re dealing with and know when it’s time to seek a non-invasive treatment from Gateway Pain Solutions.
5 Common Foot and Ankle Pain Issues
While foot and ankle pain could be caused by a variety of issues, here are five of the more common we see.
Achilles Tendinitis
Generally triggered by overuse, Achilles Tendinitis most commonly affects athletes. This pain results from a strain of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. Running, jogging, jumping, and/or pushing up on your toes are all repetitive actions that can trigger this condition.
The pain associated with Achilles tendinitis typically begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel after running or other sports activity. Episodes of more-severe pain may occur after prolonged running, stair climbing or sprinting. You might also experience tenderness or stiffness, especially in the morning, which usually improves with mild activity. (Mayo Clinic)
When you experience pain in your Achilles tendon area, contact us to set up an appointment. Since putting off treatment can lead to a ruptured tendon, don’t delay.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune disorder that causes joint pain throughout the body, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can create special problems for your ankles and toes. While there is no total cure for RA, there are some proven treatments that can help reduce your symptoms. If you experience joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or loss of function/deformities in your ankles or toes, make an appointment to get checked out.
Stone Bruise
A stone bruise is a deep bruise on the heel or ball of your foot.
Stone bruises are often sustained in the following ways:
- Stepping heavily on a hard object
- Sustaining an impact injury to the bottom of your foot
Though they generally go away on their own over time, if your suffering is intense or long-lasting, we can provide treatments to lower and/or mitigate your pain.
Flat/Fallen Arches
Affecting nearly 30% of the population, flat/fallen arches are one of the more common forms of chronic foot pain. Even if fallen arches don’t lead to high instances of pain, it’s still important to have this condition treated, since they can lead to stress and imbalances in other parts of the body. Though surgery may be required in some cases, many instances of flat/fallen arches can be treated with exercises, physical therapy, and proper footwear.
Plantar Fasciitis
The most common source of pain at the bottom of the heel, Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue supporting the arch of your foot becomes irritated and inflamed.
Common symptoms include:
- Heel pain
- Difficulty walking, particularly when taking the first few steps after resting
- Increased pain after (not during) activity
While plantar fasciitis is extremely painful, the vast majority of cases can be treated non-invasively; however, seeking timely treatment will always provide the best possible outcomes.
We Can Help
Here at Gateway Pain Solutions, we are committed to providing you with the best possible resources for pain management. Our team, led by Dr. Ranson, specializes in state-of-the-art, compassionate care.
To hear more about our premium treatments and services, or to consult with us about how we can best treat your foot and ankle pain without surgery, please feel free to contact us today. We look forward to serving you.