The ankles and feet bear the weight of the body on a limited amount of surface area, creating high levels of pressure on these structures. Although the feet and ankles are remarkably sturdy and durable, their function makes them susceptible to short-term and long-term injury with associated pain. Pain in the feet and ankles can significantly disrupt normal daily activities. Accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of ankle and foot pain with appropriate therapeutic intervention can minimize or eliminate pain.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a frequent cause of ankle and foot pain. Pain arises due to damage of one or more of the many joints of the ankle and foot. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can affect the feet and ankles. Additionally, post-traumatic arthritis may develop years after an ankle or foot injury. Mild arthritis often proves manageable with anti-inflammatory medications and orthotics--special shoes or devices that fit into the shoes to support the foot and ankle. Other possible interventions include braces, physical therapy and weight-reduction counseling and support. Surgery to clean, fuse or replace severely damaged joints may be necessary among those with disabling arthritis of the ankles or feet.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are cracks in the bones caused by overuse. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that the most frequent sites of stress fractures include the bones of the midfoot, heel and the navicular bone at the front of the ankle. Foot and ankle stress fractures cause pain with use, which abates with rest. Swelling and tenderness over the site of the fracture typically occur. Rest, along with protective footwear or casting, commonly prove sufficient to enable healing of a foot or ankle stress fracture. Surgical insertion of devices to hold the fractured bone in proper alignment during the healing process may prove necessary for stress fractures of the heel. Most stress fractures heal within six to eight weeks.
Sprains
Ligaments are strong, fibrous tissues that hold bones together. The foot and ankle contain an abundance of ligamentous tissue to keep the many bones of these structures properly aligned. Traumatic stretching or tearing of these ligaments leads to a sprain injury. Ankle sprains are a common injury of adults and children. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, an estimated 25,000 sprained ankle injuries occur daily in the United States. Foot sprains prove far less common. The severity of ankle and foot sprains ranges from mild injury, with slight stretching and limited ligament damage, to severe injury, with a complete tear of the involved ligament. Treatment depends on the severity of the sprain. Mild sprains typically require support with an elastic bandage and rest. An air splint provides additional support for moderate foot and ankle sprains. Severe sprains often necessitate surgery to repair the torn ligament and casting.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
- National Institutes of Health Medline Plus: Ankle Pain
- Penn State College of Medicine Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Ankle Arthritis
- "American Family Physician"; Common Stress Fractures; Dr. Brent W. Sanderlin, Dr. Robert F. Raspa.; October 2003
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
