Foot pain is a very common complaint. Many times just elevating your feet and resting helps the pain go away. Other times, the pain is caused by an injury to a part of your foot such as a tendon. Injuries may need treatment from a podiatrist so they can heal quickly. This could be important if you run in competitions or play other sports. Here is a look at three common conditions that cause foot and ankle pain and require treatment by a podiatrist for speedy and complete healing.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the tissues in the bottom of your foot. The band of tissue attaches to your heel, and this is where the pain is most intense. The pain from plantar fasciitis is usually worse when you get out of bed in the morning or after you've been sitting for a long period. That's because when you first start walking, you stretch the fascia and it's very painful. Once you've been walking for a bit, the pain usually improves. A podiatrist can help with this condition by providing you with a splint to wear while sleeping and orthotics to support your foot when you walk.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is another cause of heel pain. The Achilles tendon runs down the back of your calf and connects to your heel. When it is strained and inflamed, you can feel pain in the back of your leg, your ankle, and your heel. Just like with plantar fasciitis, this pain may also be worse after resting and get better when you move around. It's important to get proper care for this condition because an injured and weak Achilles tendon can rupture, which often needs surgery to repair.
Sprained Ankle
Sprained ankles are very common among athletes and runners, but anyone can get one, even if you're just walking. A sprain happens when your foot twists when it lands. This stretches and tears the ligaments in your ankle and causes pain, bruising, and swelling. You can usually treat a mild sprain at home with ice and rest, but it's best to let a podiatrist look at a sprain that is very painful or swollen. You may need crutches so you can stay off your ankle for a prolonged time while it heals. A bad sprain may even need a cast or surgery to repair.
These are three common foot and ankle conditions you might experience, but there are many things that can cause foot pain, especially if you're a runner. It could be something as simple as the way your feet roll in or out when you walk or something as complex as arthritis in an ankle joint. When you have pain, it's best to see a podiatrist so you can get proper treatment and stay mobile. You wouldn't want an injury to keep you from running again because you didn't seek medical care when you needed it.