Most Common Ankles & Foot Conditions

  • Plantar Fasciitis

    Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The fascia connects the heel bone to the toes to supports the arch of the foot when standing. It also absorbs shock and distributes the pressure in the foot.

    But when overused, it gets inflamed, resulting in heel pain.

    Signs & Symptoms

    • 1.   Stabbing pain at the bottom of the foot near the heel.
    • 2.   Increase in pain in the morning.
    • 3.   Swelling
    • 4.   Tenderness & stiffness.
    • 5.   Difficulty in prolonged standing and walking.

    The Guide To Recovery

    • 1.   Reduce inflammation.
    • 2.   Reduce pressure in the heel by wearing support.
    • 3.   Stretch tight calf muscles.
    • 4.   Develop strength and endurance in the foot.
    • 5.   See a physical therapist.

  • Heel Spur

    Heel Spur is a bony growth under the heel caused by a calcium deposit. It is often caused by strains, repeated irritation of plantar fascia, and heel pressure. Heel spurs are common among athletes whose activities involve running and jumping.

    Signs & Symptoms

    • 1.   Often cause NO symptoms.
    • 2.   Pain under the heel if tissues are inflamed.
    • 3.   Difficulty in weight-bearing.
    • 4.   Increase pain running.
    • 5.   Presence of a spur in the x-ray.

    The Key To Recovery

    • 1.   Use of shoe inserts to reduce pressure in the spur.
    • 2.   Taping or splinting.
    • 3.   Stretch tight calf muscles.
    • 4.   Improve strength and endurance in foot muscles.
    • 5.   See a podiatrist or physical therapist.

  • Achilles Tendinitis

    Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon at the back of the heel to the lower leg.

    It is often caused by repeated stress to the tendon or an injury.

    Signs & Symptoms

    • 1.   Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon.
    • 2.   Pain at the back of the heel that worsens with weight-bearing.
    • 3.   Tenderness
    • 4.   Swelling
    • 5.   Difficulty prolonged standing and walking.

    The Key To Recovery

    • 1.   Reduce inflammation.
    • 2.   Stretch tight calf muscles.
    • 3.   Reduce the intensity of activity.
    • 4.   Splinting or taping.
    • 5.   Improve strength and endurance without pain.

  • Morton's Neuroma

    Morton’s neuroma is a condition that affects the forefoot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It is caused by the thickening of tissues around the nerve.

    Signs & Symptoms

    • 1.   Burning pain at the ball of your foot.
    • 2.   Numbness in the toes affected.
    • 3.   Difficulty in weight-bearing function.

    The Key To Recovery

    • 1.   Changes in footwear to decrease pressure on the ball of the foot.
    • 2.   Use of shoe inserts to reduce irritation.
    • 3.   Prescribed medications.
    • 4.   See a podiatrist and a physical therapist.

  • Metatarsalgia

    Metatarsalgia refers to the inflammation at the ball of the foot. It is located around the arch to the toes. It is caused by repeated stress or excessive pressure at the ball of the foot.

    Signs & Symptoms

    • .   Pain at the end of the metatarsal bone.
    • .   Increase in symptoms with prolonged weight-bearing.
    • .   Difficulty walking.
    • .   High heel walking increases symptoms.

    The Key To Recovery

    • .   Reduce inflammation.
    • .   Use of shoe insert, splint, or taping.
    • .   Wear proper shoes.
    • .   Reduce stress in the ball of the foot.
    • .   Strengthen targeted foot muscles.