Foot and ankle pain and discomfort can develop for a number of reasons. Whether due to an acute injury or a chronic condition, treatments are available that can alleviate your foot and ankle pain and address the root cause. The skilled podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Institute in Houston & Sugar Land, TX, diagnose and treat foot and ankle pain due to a wide range of conditions and causes.
Heel Injuries
Many people dealing with foot and ankle pain experience discomfort in the heel area, often due to strained tendons or tissues. Some causes of heel pain include plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon injuries, such as Achilles tendinitis. Both conditions often affect runners or other athletes.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition associated with inflammation of the plantar fascia tissues along the bottom of the foot. Pain and discomfort can be felt at the bottom of the heel, as well as along the arch. Achilles tendinitis occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, becomes strained or inflamed. Pain and discomfort are typically felt along the back of the heel.
Ankle Injuries
Another common cause of foot and ankle pain is an injury to the ankle, such as an ankle sprain. A sprain can occur when the foot and ankle move in different directions from one another. This can cause ligaments in the ankle to over-stretch and tear. Without treatment, an ankle injury might not heal properly. Improper healing could lead to long-term ankle instability, as well as chronic pain and discomfort so it is important to seek treatment.
Bunions
Bunions are conditions affecting the feet that can also cause pain and discomfort. A bunion is a bony protrusion on the side of the foot near the big toe joint. They often develop when the big toe joint becomes dislocated and causes the big toe to slant toward the smaller ones. Since bunions stick out, they tend to rub against the interior of the shoes throughout the day. The friction produced by the constant rubbing can lead to inflammation, pain, and discomfort.
Treatments for Foot and Ankle Pain
The type of treatment needed depends on the cause of your foot and ankle pain. Our experienced podiatrists can recommend a course of treatment to alleviate pain, promote healing, and prevent further problems. Examples of some of the methods used for treating different types of foot and ankle pain at our office in Houston & Sugar Land, TX, include:
- Icing the injured area
- Resting the feet
- Custom orthotics
- Protective padding
- Exercises (to increase strength or improve joint mobility)
- Compression bandages
- Night splints
- Surgery
Our knowledgeable podiatrists, Dr. Asia, Dr. Patel, and Dr. Sultan, can determine how best to treat your foot and ankle pain based on the cause and severity. Schedule an appointment to discuss options for treating your foot and ankle pain by calling Foot and Ankle Institute in Houston & Sugar Land, TX, at (281) 531-4100.