Top 4 Culprits Behind Pain in Your Feet and Ankles

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We are all susceptible to experiencing foot and ankle pain. However, there are better methods to manage or even keep these symptoms from occurring if you know what's causing them. Read on to learn more about the most prevalent culprits behind foot and ankle pain and the ways they can be addressed.

1. Strains and sprains 

Persistent foot and ankle pain is a common symptom of sprains. An injury to a ligament, the connective tissue between bones, is called a sprain. Because they bear a great deal of weight and are used continuously throughout the day, the ligaments in your feet and ankles are particularly prone to damage.

Based on how the ligament is damaged, sprains can vary in intensity from minor to severe. A minor sprain could simply be uncomfortable, while a serious sprain might be excruciatingly painful and impossible to walk with. Depending on the severity of the injury, healing from a sprain might take a few days to many weeks.

You must consult a doctor as soon as you suspect a sprain. They are able to identify the issue and determine the most effective treatment approach. A sprain is often treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). If the sprain is serious, you could possibly require physical therapy or surgery.

2. Stress fractures 

A bone with a stress fracture has a little crack in it. It occurs due to excessive stress being applied to the bone, such as when sprinting or jumping. Stress fractures most frequently occur in the feet and ankles.

Pain that becomes worse with movement, swelling, and soreness are signs of a stress fracture. You should visit a doctor if you experience any of these. Rest, ice, and elevation are typically effective treatments for stress fractures. You might occasionally need to wear a boot or cast.

Individuals who routinely exercise are more likely to suffer from stress fractures. They occur in women more frequently than in men. This could be a result of men having larger bones than women. Stress fractures are also more likely to occur in those who have osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones more brittle.

3. Plantar fasciitis

Prolonged foot or ankle pain can be brought on by plantar fasciitis. Inflammation of the thick band of tissue running over the bottom of your foot is referred to as plantar fasciitis. Crippling and excruciatingly painful, plantar fasciitis can be. You may find it challenging to walk, stand, or even stand for long because of it.

Several factors, including high arches and tight calf muscles, can lead to plantar fasciitis. Additionally, footwear that doesn't offer adequate support might lead to flat feet, which common reason behind plantar fasciitis. There are numerous different ways to treat plantar fasciitis. These include stretching your foot, cold therapy, and rest. Your doctor could advise surgery or physical therapy if you're still experiencing extreme discomfort.

Perhaps you suspect you have plantar fasciitis. If so, you should visit a doctor so they can properly identify and treat the problem. You shouldn't let plantar fasciitis prevent you from having an active and productive life.

4. Arthritis

Arthritis is among the most typical causes of persistent foot and ankle pain. A degenerative joint illness called arthritis can make joints hurt, stiffen, and swell. There are many different varieties of arthritis, but osteoarthritis, which mostly affects the feet and ankles, is the most prevalent.

Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear kind of arthritis that develops with age, from overusing joints, and from trauma. Osteoarthritis symptoms in the affected joint include stiffness, discomfort, inflammation, and decreased range of motion. Osteoarthritis is often treated with a regimen of physical therapy, medication, and dietary changes.