Foot & Ankle Sprain Treatment

Below the ankle joint, the subtalar joint allows for lateral motions of the foot (inversion and eversion). Further, joints in the midfoot and forefoot allow for complex motions of the foot and ankle. Foot and ankle stability is maintained by complex ligament and tendon anatomy to support the ankle and arches of the feet.

Ankle pain could be caused by an injury like a sprain, or by a medical condition such as arthritis. Here are the most common causes of foot and ankle pain:

Ligaments help stabilize joints, preventing excessive movement between bones. Most ankle sprains are lateral sprains, which occur when your foot rolls inward, causing the outside of your ankle to twist toward the ground. This action stretches or tears the ligaments and is often associated with a “popping” feeling. Immediate swelling over the area of injury often occurs and the pain can be severe. Ligament injuries range from partial to complete tears. Occasionally, a fracture of the foot occurs with a severe ankle sprain.

Ankle tendonitis usually results from trauma, such as from sudden injury in sports or an overuse injury from running and jumping. It can also result from underlying inflammatory diseases. All forms of tendonitis can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the tendon in question. Ongoing pain in tendons is often due to tendinopathy.

Arthritis of the midfoot joints and the great toe joint can occur.

Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain in the heel that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Once you get up and move, the pain normally decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing or sitting. Plantar fasciitis is more common in runners and those who have a flattened arch in their foot. Also, people that are overweight and those who wear shoes with inadequate support have an increased risk of plantar fasciitis.

They are often caused by repeated stress on the foot or ankle such as excessive running or jumping especially on harder surfaces. They may occur in athletes following a sudden or large increase in training time. The pain is usually sharp and localized to a specific area.

It most commonly occurs in women often due to poor fitting and/or high heel shoes. Other causes Morton’s neuroma may be caused by improper walking form or an unusual foot structure such as excessive pronation. Symptoms include sharp pain when walking and numbness.

Orthotics can also be useful for improving an alignment of the foot and ankle. An ankle brace for both acute and chronic injuries can be helpful.

A registered physiotherapist can provide you with an assessment of your foot and ankle to determine the best treatment.