Foot and ankle conditions

Foot and ankle conditions can affect anyone at any age. They can be a result of a simple fall presenting itself in the form of a sprain or a complex condition caused due to degenerative tear such as osteoarthritis.

The primary symptoms of a foot and ankle condition are usually pain, swelling and stiffness. The pain associated with these problems can further travel upto your calf or leg, if not given timely medical attention. Another common symptom of a foot and ankle problem is limping. If you are experiencing a limp or having difficulty in walking, you must seek immediate clinical help.

Listed below are some common foot and ankle conditions or conditions that may cause pain in the foot and ankle. 

Foot conditions 

Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fascia is a band of connective tissues that connect your foot bone to your heel bone. Plantar fasciitis, also known as policeman’s heel, is a condition that causes inflammation in this band of tissues.  It is characterised by a sharp stabbing pain in the foot and heel usually during the first steps you take in the morning.

Hallux rigidus: Hallux rigidus is a degenerative disorder of the big toe. It causes pain at the joint found at the base of the big toe. This condition usually presents with pain and swelling. However, it can cause your big toe to become so rigid that it cannot bend after some time. 

Hammertoe:  Hammertoe is a foot condition that causes an abnormal bend in the middle joint. Hammertoe can make your toe bend downwards and cause severe pain leading to an imbalance in the surrounding tissue. 

Clubfoot:  Clubfoot is a congenital defect found in babies that causes the feet to be twisted inward or outward or out of shape. Clubfoot can occur in both or single foot leading to a considerable difference in the heights of the legs. 

Flatfoot: Flat foot is a condition in which a person does not develop the arches inside the sole of the foot. Due to this condition, the affected person’s foot looks flattened when they stand up straight. Most children with flat foot develop arches as they grow old. However, in others, corrective treatment may be required. 

Bunions: Bunions also referred to as hallux valgus is a condition in which a bony bump appears at the base of the big toe. It occurs when the big toe pushes against the smaller toes. It is considered a bone deformity and often causes pain and stiffness. 

Metatarsalgia: Metatarsalgia is a foot condition that causes the ball of your foot to become inflamed and painful. This condition is usually noted in people who are active in sports that involve running and jumping. This condition can cause sharp, shooting pain and a sensation of having a pebble stuck in your show. 

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a foot condition that occurs when the posterior tibial nerve (a nerve present along the inside of a narrow passageway of the ankle and the foot) becomes compressed. This compression occurs as a result of repeated pressure on the nerve. 

Ankle conditions 

Ankle sprain: An ankle sprain is a soft tissue that happens when you accidentally twist, roll or turn your ankle inwards or outwards. It is a ligament injury that causes the tough band of tissues to stretch or tear causing pain and swelling. 

Fractures: Your ankle joint is made up of three bones – tibia, fibula and talus bones. When one or more of these bones break or experience a crack or tear, it is known as an ankle fracture. There are different types of ankle fractures depending upon the type of bone affected. 

Ankle impingement: Impingement means pain caused by pressure on a tendon, nerve or brushing against adjacent structures of the joint. Ankle impingement is a condition that causes pain in the ankle due to the impingement of anterior and posterior areas. 

Stress fractures: stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones. These tiny cracks are caused due to repetitive pressure or force like running a marathon or having an interest in doing sports activities that involve jumping too often and too much. These fractures can also develop from a normal weakening of the bones due to certain bone conditions like osteoporosis or osteoarthritis. 

Achilles tendon rupture: Achilles tendon is a strong cord of fibrous tissues that connects the back of your calf to your heel bone. It is located at the back of the ankle. Achilles tendon rupture is a condition that causes a partial or full tear in this fibrous cord. It is most common among people who participate in recreational activities. 

Other causes of foot and ankle pain include:

• Gout 
• Bursitis 
• Osteoarthritis
• Connective tissues disorders
• Inflammatory arthritis

Your foot and ankle specialist will first examine your conditions and symptoms. He/she may discuss the intensity of your physical workout prior to the condition, overall health and lifestyle habits. Your healthcare provider will order a few diagnostic tests to visualise and identify the severity of the condition. These tests may vary depending upon your condition. Some common tests include X-rays, CT scans, bone density tests and laboratory tests. 

Based on the results of these investigations, your healthcare provider will offer you a suitable line of treatment. Common treatment methods used for foot and ankle conditions include:

• Medicinal approach 
• Immobilisation 
• Surgery and other procedures including ankle replacement surgery
• Physiotherapy 

Your healthcare provider may suggest a combination of two or more treatment options for your speedy recovery.

Some foot and ankle conditions can also be prevented by active precautionary measures. Here are some steps you can take to better care of your foot and ankle:

• Wear rightly fitted shoes – Avoid wearing shoes that are too loose or too tight as they increase the chances of injury. 
• Throw away your worn-out shoes – If the sole of your shoes has worn out over time, it is advised that you wear new shoes to give proper care to your foot and ankle. 
• Take plenty of rest – If you have recently endured a foot and ankle injury or condition, you should ensure to take proper rest in line with your treatment. 
• Avoid using risky surfaces – Risky surfaces include slippery floors or roads with holes and patches that increase your risk of hurting your foot and ankle. 
• Be active – Start physical activity after your doctor has given you the go-ahead. Try not to be extra pressure on your foot and ankle than what you can bear. 
• Do strengthening exercises – When you are healthy and fit, you should do certain exercises meant to strengthen the muscles of your foot and ankle.