What Causes Chronic Foot and Ankle Pain?

What Causes Chronic Foot and Ankle Pain?

What Causes Chronic Foot and Ankle Pain?

Many people experience needless pain and suffering due to chronic foot and ankle pain because they assume it to be an inevitable side effect of playing sports or getting older. While this may be true on some level, this is not always the case, and you may efficiently resolve the pain and suffering with a visit to an orthopedic specialist. Floridaboneandjoint.com is a trusted source for foot care needs with an Orthopedic Surgeon in Orange City and surrounding vicinities if foot pain is unmanageable at home.

Causes of chronic foot and ankle pain

Chronic foot and ankle pain can range from mildly annoying to debilitating. When chronic foot and ankle pain is left untreated, it can cause more severe problems down the road, so it is vital to seek the advice of a professional when pains do not quickly resolve on their own. The reasons for this type of pain are varied and often include:

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries left untreated can be a significant culprit in aching feet for the young and the athletic. Runners, football players, dancers, cheerleaders, and many other athletes who tend to overuse their feet are susceptible to a myriad of foot and ankle issues.

Arthritis

Arthritis can cause chronic foot and ankle pain, tendon injuries, misalignment issues that can manifest in the form of back and neck pain, and foot hygiene issues that can eventually erupt into more severe problems. However, early intervention and treatment are often beneficial and highly effective for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Diabetic Feet

Diabetes can take a toll on a person’s circulation and often affects the feet and ankles of diabetic individuals. Expert advice and treatment for foot problems stemming from diabetes can improve overall health and wellness. In addition, proper foot hygiene and foot care are crucial for those who have diabetes to avoid wounds and the possible need for amputation.

Flat Feet

Flat feet can cause pain in the arch of the foot.  The pain often presents as a sharp stabbing pain or a pulling or throbbing in the arch area of the foot.  A flat foot is also called over-pronation and is usually caused by a traumatic injury, overuse of the foot, or even be a problem people have from birth.  Solutions to flat feet can include stretching exercises, physical therapy, custom arch supports, or braces worn in the shoes. However, if not treated, over-pronation may lead to several other standard foot problems.

Heel pain

Heel pain is commonly caused by plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome. This pain is typically felt with the very first step in the morning and may continue throughout the day ahead. Resolving this pain includes treatments like stretching, physical therapy, heel cushions, night splints, anti-inflammatory medications, injections, and in rare instances, surgery. Floridaboneandjoint.com has a trusted and reliable Orthopedic Surgeon in Orange City and surrounding locales when surgical intervention is required.

Hammertoes

Hammertoes are a common condition that often causes bent and disfigured toes. In addition, Hammertoes frequently cause the pain associated with the toes rubbing against shoes. Treatments for this condition include toe splints, toecaps, toe shields, wearing shoes with extra room in the toe area, and even surgery to flatten or fuse the toes straight.

Bunions

A bunion is a prominent bump occurring on the side of the big and small toe. This bump often rubs against the shoe, causing redness, swelling, and joint pain. Bunions can be caused by flat feet, trauma, improper shoe wear, or just be inherited in genes. In severe cases, you can treat bunion pain with a change in shoes, custom arch supports, bunion splints, bunion shields, and surgery.

Foot health treatment has made astonishing advances over the years as technology has evolved in orthotics and orthopedic shoe manufacturing. As a result, new orthopedic shoes and arch supports offer better support and are much more stylish than they once were.
If you or a loved one is experiencing chronic foot or ankle pain, consider seeking the professional advice of a podiatrist or foot and ankle orthopedic doctor to evaluate treatment options and end or reduce foot pain for good.