Most people will have discomfort in or near their ankles or feet at some point. It is one of the most complex and demanding systems in your body. Soft tissue injuries like sprains or strains cause most short-term foot or ankle discomfort episodes. The condition is treated, and a speedy recovery is ensured at Regenerative Medical Group, located in Orange, California
The foot is one of the most complex structures of the body. Joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments connect the 26 bones that make up this structure.
The foot is delicate and susceptible to several forces. Foot problems may result in pain, inflammation, and injury. These problems may hamper your mobility. Ankle pain is a general term for any pain or discomfort affecting any ankle portion.
Ankle pain can have a variety of causes. Accidents, rheumatic disorders, and normal wear and tear are the most common causes.
Depending on the source, you could experience pain or stiffness anywhere close to the ankle. In addition, your ankle may swell and hurt so much that you cannot carry any weight.
What are the most common causes of foot and ankle pain?
There are several reasons why feet or ankle pain lasts for a long time, including:
- badly fitting footwear
- osteoarthritis
- inflammatory arthritis
- connective tissue diseases
- poor blood circulation
- nerve damage
Ankle soreness can also result from various diseases, conditions, and circumstances. They include the following:
- Arthritis: The ankle joint may become painful and inflexible due to arthritis. Arthritis happens when the cartilage, which cushions the bones in joints, separates. The collapse causes the bones to bump into one another. Mishaps and misuse can bring on arthritis, and older people are more likely to get it. Ankle arthritis can take many different forms. Two common types of arthritis are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
- Flatfoot: A shallow or absent arch may cause pain and swell in the ankles and feet. The issue may manifest when a child's arches don't develop regularly as they age.
- Gout: A buildup of uric acid throughout the body causes gout and arthritis. Uric acid is typically excreted in the urine. Insufficient uric acid causes crystals to form, which gather in the joints. Gout in the ankles can be agonizing.
- Infection: Cellulitis is an infection that can result in swelling and pain in the ankle joint. A staph infection may lead to osteomyelitis, a bone infection.
How can I prevent foot and ankle pain?
You can stop ankle discomfort brought on by injuries by –
- Maintain a healthy weight because carrying extra pounds strains your joints, including your ankles.
- You'll support your ankles and lessen your risk of injury by keeping the strength of additional muscles.
- Stop right away if you get pain. If a move or activity is uncomfortable, take a break. See your doctor if the pain doesn't go away. Exercise in pain could make an injury worse.
- Carefully warm up by stretching before working out. Muscles and soft tissues, such as ligaments and tendons, are less likely to experience damage when the body is warm.
Pain in the feet and ankles may indicate several illnesses or injuries. Swelling, stiffness, and pain can make walking difficult or impossible. Home remedies like elevating your foot and getting plenty of rest help the most foot and ankle conditions.
If the pain is severe, you have significant swelling, or it doesn't go away after a few days, see a doctor. With several noninvasive techniques, you can stand up again.