Understanding Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
4. Neck Pain
1:55
6. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. Foot Pain
1:50
9. Ankle and Foot Pain
1:46
10. Cancer Pain
1:34
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
3. Acupuncture
2:13
4. Physical Therapy
1:35
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
5. Caudal Epidural
1:33
10. Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
1:39
11. Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
2:05
12. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
13. MILD Procedure
2:04
14. Spinal Decompression Surgeries
1:41
15. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Ankle and Foot Pain
1746878446
Ankle and foot pain can come from injuries, overuse, or underlying health conditions. The foot and ankle have many bones and joints, and stress or injury can lead to pain and difficulty moving. Playing sports, wearing improper footwear, or repetitive strain are common causes.
Injuries like twisting the ankle (sprains) or overuse from running and jumping can lead to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, which causes pain in the bottom of the foot, or Achilles tendinopathy, which leads to stiffness and discomfort in the back of the ankle. Over time, foot structure can change, leading to bunions, flat feet, or high arches, which may cause discomfort. Arthritis can make joints stiff and painful, while diabetes may lead to nerve damage and numbness in the feet.
Most cases can be managed without surgery. Rest, ice, and physical therapy help reduce pain and strengthen muscles. Wearing supportive shoes or custom insoles can improve foot alignment and relieve pressure. Medications or injections may be recommended for more severe cases to reduce inflammation. If symptoms persist despite treatment, surgery may be considered to correct structural problems or relieve nerve compression.
Early treatment is important to prevent long-term pain and complications. In addition to traditional treatments, regenerative medicine options, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or biologic therapies using fat or bone marrow-derived cells, may help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
If you’re experiencing persistent foot or ankle pain, early intervention can improve mobility and prevent further damage. Talk to our team to find the best treatment plan for you.
FAQs
Are there regenerative medicine options for treating ankle and foot pain?
Yes, regenerative medicine offers additional treatment options, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or biologic therapies using fat or bone marrow-derived cells. These treatments can help reduce inflammation and promote healing, serving as potential alternatives or complements to traditional management approaches.
How can ankle and foot pain be treated without surgery?
Most ankle and foot pain can be managed conservatively without surgery. Treatment typically includes rest, applying ice, and undergoing physical therapy to reduce pain and strengthen muscles. Wearing supportive footwear or custom insoles can help improve foot alignment and relieve pressure. Over-the-counter pain medications or corticosteroid injections might be recommended for reducing inflammation.
What are common causes of ankle and foot pain?
Ankle and foot pain can arise from various sources such as injuries (like sprains), overuse from activities such as running or jumping, and wearing improper footwear. Additionally, chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, structural deformities like bunions or flat feet, and systemic conditions such as arthritis or diabetes can also lead to pain and discomfort.
What are the risks of leaving ankle and foot pain untreated?
If left untreated, ankle and foot pain can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues. Conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy may persist and worsen over time. In people with diabetes, untreated foot pain can lead to complications such as infections or poor wound healing due to neuropathy.
When should someone consider surgery for ankle and foot pain?
Surgery is generally considered a last resort if symptoms persist despite conservative treatments. It may be recommended for correcting structural problems like severe bunions or for relieving nerve compression. Patients experiencing significant mobility issues or chronic pain that interferes with daily activities should discuss surgical options with their healthcare provider.