Common Causes for Foot and Ankle Pain
If you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain, you’re not alone. In fact, foot and ankle pain are two of the most common types of pain that people experience. There are a number of different causes of foot and ankle pain, but some are more common than others. In this blog post, our team at A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center will discuss four of the most common causes of foot and ankle pain. Learn more and reach out to our team in Northern Colorado to schedule an appointment for foot and ankle pain today!
Sprains and Strains The first common cause of foot and ankle pain that we’ll discuss is sprains and strains. Sprains occur when the ligaments that connect the bones in your foot or ankle are stretched beyond their limits. This can happen due to an injury, such as a fall, or simply from overuse. Strains, on the other hand, occur when the tendons in your foot or ankle are overstretched. Again, this can be due to an injury or overuse. Both sprains and strains can be extremely painful and may require a period of rest and/or physical therapy to heal properly. Stress Fractures A stress fracture is a small crack in one of the bones in your foot or ankle. Stress fractures are most common in the metatarsals, which are the long bones in your foot that connect to your toes. Stress fractures can occur due to overuse, as well as from wearing shoes that don’t fit properly or provide enough support. If you suspect you have a stress fracture, it’s important to see a foot and ankle specialist right away, as these fractures can worsen over time and may even require surgery to heal properly. Arthritis Arthritis is another common cause of foot and ankle pain. There are two main types of arthritis that can affect the foot and ankle: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and occurs when the cartilage in your foot or ankle starts to break down. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is a less common type of arthritis that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the joints. This can also cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the foot or ankle. Plantar Fasciitis Finally, plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot pain that occurs when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, becomes swollen or inflamed. This can happen due to overuse, improper footwear, or an injury. Plantar fasciitis is often characterized by a sharp pain in the foot that is worse when you first get out of bed in the morning. If you’re experiencing this type of pain, it’s important to see a foot and ankle specialist, as plantar fasciitis can be a difficult condition to treat on your own. 
If you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain, reach out to our team at A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center in Northern Colorado today. We’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that will get you back on your feet in no time! Get in touch with us to find relief today.