Women's Health     Healthy Kids     Teen Health    

7 reasons your feet and ankles may be hurting



7 reasons your feet and ankles may be hurting

Medical experts are reminding everyone that foot and ankle pain is not normal and should be addressed.

“Your feet shouldn’t hurt,” says Matthew C. Dairman, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and a Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). “Foot and ankle surgeons are specially trained to diagnose and treat all conditions affecting the foot and ankle, from the simple to the complex. And we can help you with any pain you may be experiencing.”

ACFAS has compiled a handy list some of the more common reasons for foot and ankle pain, as well as suggestions for what you can do to feel better:

1. Shoes: From high heels to flip flops, some popular shoe styles can create painful foot and ankle issues. Choose shoes that cushion and support the foot to prevent pain as well as to provide stability, helping you avoid falls and acute injury. And be sure that your shoes fit correctly. Footwear that’s too large can rub the skin, causing blisters and sores, while a snug fit can aggravate bunions and hammertoes.

2. Overuse: Physical activities like playing a sport, working out at the gym or even exercising at home can lead to overuse injuries such as Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, Morton’s neuroma and stress fractures. You can help prevent overuse injuries with the right footwear and by ramping up training slowly. If you experience pain, take time off to rest until you see your foot and ankle surgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment. It’s the best way to get healthy and get back into the game.

3. Acute injury: Ankle sprains, broken toes, metatarsal fractures and other acute injuries can happen to anyone, but athletes who participate in high-impact sports, like running, soccer and basketball, and those with low bone density are particularly susceptible. These conditions should be treated immediately.

READ MORE: What your feet can tell you about your health

4. Arthritis: Because the foot contains 26 bones and more than 30 joints, it’s a common site of osteoarthritis, a painful and disabling condition characterized by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in joints. A foot and ankle surgeon may prescribe nonsurgical treatments such as NSAIDs, orthotics, bracing, steroid injections or physical therapy. When osteoarthritis has progressed substantially or failed to improve with nonsurgical treatment, surgery may be recommended.

5. Pregnancy: Prenatal foot pain is common due to increased weight, foot instability and changes in foot size. Wear wider shoes, if needed, to avoid ingrown toenails and to alleviate pain caused by pregnancy-related swelling. Putting your feet up whenever possible, stretching and wearing wide, comfortable, supportive shoes can also ease edema-related discomfort and pregnancy-related arch pain.

6. Diabetes: There are many diabetes complications associated with feet, including neuropathy, which can involve numbness and pain, muscle weakness and loss of balance, or dry feet and cracked skin. Diabetic neuropathy is a serious condition that also is associated with ulcers, which can easily become infected. Treating diabetic neuropathy involves controlling blood sugar levels, inspecting feet daily, and integrating your foot and ankle surgeon into your diabetes care team.

7. Pediatric foot pain: Pain in a child’s foot or ankle is never normal and there is no such thing as “growing pains.” Your child’s pain could be caused by common pediatric conditions such as flatfeet, ingrown toenails, plantar warts and sports injuries. A child experiencing pain that lasts more than a few days or is severe should be examined by a foot and ankle surgeon.

For more information or to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

(StatePoint)
PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Liudmila Chernetska / iStock via Getty Images Plus


Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Punch up your holiday beverage menu

    Showcase the sweet tart cranberry in this recipe

    This time of year is all about food and sweet desserts, but don’t forget to quench guests’ thirst with a seasonal sip. This Christmas Cranberry Punch offers a slightly less sweet take on traditional punch so you can add a touch of tart to the beverage cart. read more »
  • Nourish family connections with every bite

    Boost social, emotional and physical health with egg-inspired recipes

    Dine together, shine together. Weekly sit-down meals with family can reduce stress, boost self-esteem and make everyone feel more connected – all while sharing delicious, healthy and easy-to-prepare food. read more »
  • Lasers: A safer alternative to weight-loss drugs?

    Information to help you make the decision that is right for you

    Weight-loss drugs have skyrocketed in popularity because of their quick results and use among celebrities and influencers. J.P. Morgan predicts that by 2030, 30 million Americans will use them. read more »
  • Recipe of the week November 4

    Find comfort in a one-pot pie

    That first day of chilly weather always feels the coldest before you’re accustomed to it, and an easy, warm, filling meal can help hit the spot. Better yet, this rendition of Shepherd’s Pie is made with just one pot so cleanup can be a snap. read more »
  • Aim for healthier hydration with a habit-building beverage

    Try this yummy and easy to make smoothie

    Begin building tiny, healthier practices into routines you already have to help make it easier to establish habits you can stick to. This concept is called “habit stacking,” and it can help you improve habits from morning to night. read more »
  • Please pumpkin lovers with a twist on a fall favorite

    A simple, easy to prepare dessert

    Apple, cherry and blueberry crumbles may get all the adoration, but when fall comes around, you may as well lean into the flavor of the season: pumpkin. This simple dessert satisfies the sweet tooth with some fiber to boot. read more »
  • Take the stress out of winter travel

    What you need to know

    While there’s plenty to appreciate about winter travel, including picturesque scenery and festive moments with loved ones, the season brings a unique set of challenges, too. However, you can take steps to manage potential stress as you prepare for a seasonal journey. read more »
  • Harvest sides for your holiday feast

    Hearty, filling, festive recipes to complement your main course

    Don’t let turkey and ham have all the fun this holiday season. After all, you know your guests are likely to have plates piled high with all their favorite festive side dishes. read more »
  • Keep your kitchen clear with an ooey-gooey appetizer for guests

    Recipe of the Week November 18

    Prepping for holiday gatherings is plenty of work on its own, and when family and guests can’t stay out of your way in the kitchen, you’ll need the perfect appetizer as a distraction. read more »
  • Drought warning issued for the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and New York City

    What you can do right now

    DEC issued a heightened Drought Warning for much of the Catskill, Hudson Valley, and New York City regions. The rest of the State remains under a previously declared Drought Watch. read more »