Foot and Ankle Problems

The foot and ankle can be affected by a wide variety of problems and conditions that cause pain, loss of function and disability. With proper and timely treatment, these problems can often be alleviated, providing relief and regaining function. Your EOG physician can assess your condition and design a treatment plan that will gain the best possible results.

Common foot and ankle conditions

Ball of the foot pain

Foot pain that occurs under the ball of the foot is also called metatarsalgia. This condition can be severe and incapacitating. A common method of treatment for pain at the ball of the foot is to prescribe special footwear or shoe inserts that relieve the cause and lessen the symptoms.

Heel pain

Another common complaint is pain in the heel of the foot. This condition, which makes walking very uncomfortable and difficult, can be the result of a variety of problems. Typically, symptoms are experienced when first standing in the morning or when walking for extended periods of time. Most heel pain is treated with shoe inserts and exercises to allow inflammation to subside and tissues to heal.

Plantar fasciitis

Among the most common, and often very painful, afflictions of the heel and foot is plantar fasciitis. This is inflammation of the tissue that forms the arch of the foot, and is usually caused by long periods of walking, standing or running while the tissues are tight. Regular stretching, icing and rest often alleviate plantar fasciitis over time. Hook-like bone formation called heel spurs sometimes occur with plantar fasciitis. They can irritate the tissue where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel. Treatment is usually the same when this occurs – stretching, icing and rest.

Arch pain

Pain that occurs in the arch of the foot is often caused by a strain or repetitive motion that irritates the affected tissues. The result can be a burning sensation that may be quite severe, making walking difficult. Common treatments are special shoes and inserts that adjust motion and cushion affected areas.

Flat feet

Flat feet, or fallen arches, is a common condition that may or may not result in symptoms. It occurs when the foot flattens out instead of maintaining a natural arch. If no symptoms exist, your physician may advise that treatment is unnecessary. If flat feet are rigid, painful or causing balance difficulties, special shoes and supports can be very effective. Occasionally, surgical intervention is necessary.

Bunions

Many people develop a prominent, sometimes quite large, bump at the base of the big toe called a bunion. This condition is hereditary, although ill-fitting shoes can also contribute to the symptoms. Avoid shoes that are too narrow or high heeled. To avoid worsening pain associated with bunions, wear properly fitted shoes and use cushioning pads. Anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve discomfort in many cases. Surgery may be necessary if symptoms are not relieved.

Achilles tendonitis

This is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon or the surrounding sheath along the back of the heel. It can be quite painful to walk, run or do any weight-bearing activities. Typical treatment is rest, icing, stretching and anti-inflammatory drugs. If pain is severe, you should consult your physician to determine the extent of the Achilles injury.

Ankle sprains

Among the most common injuries to the lower extremities is an ankle sprain. It typically occurs when the ankle is turned in; stretching or tearing a ligament that connects the bones of the ankle. Pain and loss of function are immediate and can be quite severe. Prompt treatment is very important to limit the symptoms. Immediate and periodic icing, along with an anti-inflammatory, is effective for mild and moderate ankle sprains. Taping, splinting and sometimes casts can be prescribed by your physician for more severe injuries. This is usually followed by a concentrated course of physical therapy.

Ankle fractures

Trauma to the ankle can result in a broken bone. Because the symptoms are often similar to an ankle sprain – pain, swelling, loss of function – it is sometimes difficult to identify your injury without a physician’s diagnosis. An X-ray is commonly used to confirm a break. Treatment can range from bracing to casting to surgery, depending on the severity of the break.