Foot and ankle pain

Foot and ankle pain can quickly sideline you. Whether you have an injury or a long-term condition, the orthopedic specialists at Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic can help. We take the time to determine the cause of your pain and offer proven treatments so you can get back on your feet as soon as possible.

What is foot and ankle pain?

Your feet and ankles are complex structures. They contain bones, joints, ligaments and tendons that move together to support your body. Health conditions like arthritis, injuries like sprains or wearing the wrong footwear can lead to foot or ankle pain.

Causes of foot and ankle pain

Foot and ankle pain can have many different causes, including:

• Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis (arthritis that develops after an injury)
• Diabetes, including type 1 and type 2
• Fractures (breaks) in the bones of your ankle, heel, midfoot or toes
• Sprains or strains of the ligaments or tendons in your feet and ankles
• Toe conditions, such as bunions, corns, hammertoes, ingrown toenails or Morton’s neuroma

Foot and ankle pain symptoms

Pain can affect any part of your foot or ankle. The type of pain you experience often depends upon what’s causing it. If you have a foot or ankle condition, the pain may feel:

• Achy and dull
• Burning
• Numb and tingly (like pins and needles)
• Sharp and stabbing
• Sudden and shooting

Foot and ankle pain types

Foot and ankle pain can appear in various locations. Types of pain may include:

• Ankle pain resulting from arthritis, fractures, nerve problems or sprains
• Arch pain stemming from flat feet, high arches, improper footwear or plantar fasciitis
• Ball of the foot pain due to bunions, hammertoes, ill-fitting footwear or Morton’s neuroma
• Bottom of the foot pain resulting from Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis or overuse injuries
• Heel pain stemming from plantar fasciitis or injuries
• Toe pain caused by arthritis, bunions, fractures, gout, hammertoes, ingrown toenails or sprains
• Top of the foot pain resulting from extensor tendinitis, stress fractures or other injuries

Foot and ankle pain diagnosis

Your doctor may diagnose foot or ankle pain with:

• Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scan or MRI, to view your bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons
• Medical history, including asking about any health conditions you have and medications you take
• Physical exam, including asking about your symptoms and moving or pressing on your foot or ankle

Foot and ankle pain risk factors

Foot and ankle pain can affect anyone. But you may have a higher risk if you:

• Are often on your feet for long periods
• Have arthritis, which can cause inflammation in your ankles or the joints in your feet and toes
• Have diabetes, which can lead to nerve problems that cause pain, numbness and tingling in your feet
• Play sports, which can raise your risk of an injury like a sprain or fracture
• Smoke or use tobacco, which can decrease blood flow to your feet and cause foot pain

Foot and ankle pain prevention

You can’t always avoid foot and ankle pain, but you can decrease your risk if you:

• Aim for a healthy weight, which reduces strain on your feet and ankles
• Manage chronic health conditions like arthritis and diabetes
• Regularly check your feet for signs of injury or infection
• Warm up and cool down before and after sports or exercise
• Wear properly fitting shoes