Ankle and Foot Pain
ANKLE AND FOOT PAIN
Pain can occur in the foot and ankles for a number of reasons.
The foot and ankle is made up of small bones interconnected by ligaments, muscles and fascia which are all working in unison to give the foot and ankle the strength, stability and flexibility it needs to function effectively. Common conditions of the foot and ankle pain include:
Plantar Fasciitis:
Is pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Plantar Fascia is the tough fibrous tissue that supports the arches of the foot and runs from the heel towards the toes along the sole of the foot. Plantar Fasciitis pain can be described as sharp, usually under the heel or arch of the foot. The pain can be made worse In the morning or after rest, by standing for long periods of time or exercising in poor footwear. Other symptoms that can be experienced are numbness in the feet, tingly, or swelling. In some cases, a bone spur can grow where the plantar fascia is attached and pulls on the heel, which can also cause intense pain. You are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis if you are:
- Active: sport can place increase stress on the heel and plantar fascia, especially if you have tight calf muscles or a stiff ankle joint from previous injury, this will alter the normal foot and ankle motion causing more stress on the plantar fascia.
- Overweight: carrying extra weight, increases stress and strain on your plantar fascia
- Pregnant: with the ligament laxity and the increase weight gain can put extra stress on the plantar fascia
- On Your Feet: a lot of walking and standing on hard surfaces will place extra strain on the plantar fascia
- Flat Feet or High Foot Arch: changes in the arch can change the shock absorption ability and can stretch and strain the plantar fascia, which will need to be used to absorb the additional forces
- Weak Arch Muscles: muscle fatigue allows the plantar fascia to overstretch and cause injury
- Middle Aged or Older: with aging the arch may begin to drop, placing extra stress on the plantar fascia
- Arthritis: some types of arthritis can cause inflammation in the tendons
- Diabetes
- Wearing Unsupported Shoes
Acquired Flat Foot:
Where the inner side of the foot drops and flattens. The foot may roll over from the outer side to the inner side, known as over-pronation. This can damage your ankle joint and achilles tendon and can also cause shin pain. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, change in foot shape, and knee pain or swelling.
Achilles Pain:
The Achilles tendon is made up of the tendon of the two calf muscles, the gastrocnemius and the soleus coming together, and attaching onto the back of the heel. Pain, inflammation or a tendinopathy in the achilles can cause pain and tightness in this area.
Sprained Ankle:
Usually the result of suddenly twisting your ankle or “going over” on the ankle as a result of loss of balance and stability from the twist. It is usually the ligaments on the outside of the ankle that are strained, and common symptoms of this are pain, swelling, bruising and instability of the ankle. Sometimes an x-ray may be required to rule out possible fracture.
How Can Osteopathic Treatment Assist with Foot and Ankle Pain?
Osteopathic treatment takes in the holistic view of the body and evaluates any joint restriction or tightness in other areas of the body that may be related and effect the foot and ankle. Improving movement in the joints of the lower body will often help the foot and ankle function better. Exercises may be offered to assist with strengthening, balancing and loosening of the foot and ankle. Advice on strapping and brace supports may also be offered, and a possible referral to a podiatrist. Other tests such as scans or x-rays may be required to make a diagnosis, and you may possibly be referred to your GP for advice on pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication.