Foot and Ankle Pain

Foot and Ankle Pain

Foot and ankle pain is common among people of all ages and can have a significant impact on daily activities. From simple tasks like walking to more complex movements like running or exercising, foot and ankle pain can be quite debilitating. It is essential to address this discomfort promptly to prevent it from worsening and affecting your quality of life.

The foot and ankle are made up of many small bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles that work together to support the weight of the body and allows for movement. There are various causes of foot and ankle pain such as:

• Injury or trauma to the foot and ankle
• Improper footwear
• High impact activities that involve movements like running, jumping, hopping, and landing.
• Lack of strength or flexibility in the foot and ankle can weaken the surrounding structures.
• Age-related – conditions such as osteoarthritis and foot fractures can be common as we age.
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, gout and reactive arthritis can cause foot and ankle pain.

Understanding these causes can help individuals take preventive measures and make informed choices to protect their feet and ankles from injuries.

Symptoms of foot and ankle issues can vary depending on the specific condition, but some common signs to watch out for include pain, swelling, redness, stiffness, bruising, difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot, numbness or tingling, and limited range of motion. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms and seek medical advice if you experience persistent discomfort or if the symptoms worsen. Remember, early detection and treatment can help prevent further complications and promote a quicker recovery.

Common Musculoskeletal conditions at the foot and ankle

• Plantarfasciopathy also known as plantar faciitis is a common condition affecting the plantar fascia of the foot. The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue which runs from the heel on the sole of the foot, along to the toes. It is important in supporting and maintaining the arch of the foot and creating stability through tension in the plantar fascia, as well as the transfer of force when walking/running. Plantar fasciopathy tends to be worse on first steps in the morning or after a period of rest. The bottom of the heel may feel tender. It can also be worse when walking on harder surfaces, barefoot or going up stairs.
• Achilles tendinopathy – this can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, which is the large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This condition often occurs as a result of overuse or repetitive strain on the tendon, such as from running or jumping activities.
• Ankle ligament sprains – An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn. It typically happens when the ankle is twisted or rolled awkwardly. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking.
• Ankle osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling within the ankle joint. It can be caused by wear and tear on the joint as we get older, leading to the breakdown of cartilage and the development of bone spurs. People with ankle osteoarthritis may have trouble walking, climbing stairs, or participating in activities that require ankle movement.

Tips for treating foot and ankle pain

Treatment for foot and ankle pain depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. It is important to consider the following:

• Most foot and ankle pain can be eased by simple over the counter pain relief from your local pharmacy.
• Modifying your activities and wearing good supportive footwear may help to ease your pain.
• Reduce strain on your foot and ankle when going up or down stairs by using a handrail if one is available.
• Keeping active is an essential part of your treatment and recovery – even if you have to modify what you normally do, any activity is better than none to keep your other muscles and joints strong and flexible.
• It’s recommended you stay at or return to work as quickly as possible during your recovery. You don’t need to be pain or symptom-free to return to work.

When should I seek further help for my foot and ankle pain?

Non-urgent advice

Signs that you should see a Physiotherapist about your foot and ankle pain include:

• The pain is interfering with your everyday activities or causing sleep disturbance.
• The pain is progressively worsening or recurring frequently.
• No improvement has been observed after 2 weeks of treating the pain at home.
• You experience foot and ankle stiffness for more than 30 minutes after waking up.

Urgent advice

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

Sudden and severe foot and ankle pain without any fall or injury

• Your ankle feels hot, red and is swollen.
• Discoloration or deformity around the foot and ankle area
• You are diabetic.
• General discomfort, high temperature, or chills along with foot or ankle pain

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

• Severe foot or ankle pain following a fall or injury.
• Inability to move or put weight through your foot and ankle.
• Tingling or loss of feeling in your toes and ankle following an injury.