Determining the Cause of Foot & Ankle Pain

Heel pain is a common complaint that can be caused by one of several conditions. Patients with heel pain often have symptoms when walking or standing for long periods. Treatment of heel pain consists of rest, shoe inserts, and simple exercises to help ease the symptoms.

One of the most common deformities in newborns are foot problems. Foot deformities have been found in almost 5% of all newborns. Most of these foot deformities are treated with nonsurgical treatments, and in many cases can simply be observed. However, it is important to understand the deformity to ensure appropriate treatment is being provided.

The calf is the region of the body between the knee and the ankle in the back of the leg. Three major muscles make up the calf, these include the two gastrocnemius muscles and the soleus muscle. Causes of calf pain may include muscle injury, blood clots, and cramps.

Ankle swelling is a common symptom of ankle problems. There are several causes of ankle swelling. Determine the cause of your swollen ankle will help guide treatment.

Ankle pain is a common complaint with many causes. Determining the cause of your symptoms may be straightforward, or it may require special tests to make a diagnosis. Once the cause of your ankle pain can be determined, appropriate treatment can begin.

Heel pain is a common complaint that can be caused by one of several conditions. Patients with heel pain often have symptoms when walking or standing for long periods. Treatment of heel pain consists of rest, shoe inserts, and simple exercises to help ease the symptoms.

Arch pain is a common foot complaint. Arch pain, also sometimes called a strain, often causes inflammation and a burning sensation under the arch of the foot. Treatment of arch pain often consists of adaptive footwear and inserts.

Symptoms of foot pain cause problems under the ball of the forefoot. Foot pain in this area, often referred to as metatarsalgia, can be debilitating. Treatment of ball of the foot pain can usually be accomplished with footwear and shoe inserts.

Heel pain is a common complaint, but diagnosing the cause of the problem can be a difficult task. Learn about causes of posterior heel pain and what treatments are available for posterior heel pain.

Anterior ankle impingement syndrome is a condition in which bone spurs develop in the front of the ankle joint. Patients with ankle impingement typically complain of discomfort over the top of the ankle when the foot is pushed upwards. Ankle impingement can be treated with arthroscopic surgery to remove the bone spurs.

Achilles tendinosis is a condition of chronic irritation and damage to the Achilles tendon. This is a different condition from tendonitis, a problem that is characterized by inflammation of the tendon. In Achilles tendinosis, the problem is a more chronic, degenerative process.

The Thompson test is performed when making the diagnosis of an Achilles tendon tear. A positive Thompson test is consistent with a ruptured Achilles tendon.