The most common causes of ankle and foot pain are as follows:
Achilles tendinitis, achilles bursitis, plantar fasciitis (policeman's heel), tarsal tunnel syndrome, anterior compartment syndrome, pes planus (flat feet), stress (walking) fractures, morton's neuroma, hallux valgus (bunion), athletic strains, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, sudeck’s atrophy (reflex sympathetic dystrophy), gout, pseudogout, infectious arthritis, seronegative polyarthritis, avascular necrosis.
Achilles tendinitis
Although reasons for this are trauma, athletic strains, or inappropriate shoes, it may also be observed during inflammatory diseases. The pathologic process involves a painful, swollen, and tender area of the Achilles tendon and peritenon. Treatment program consists of medication, rest from aggravating activities, appropriate shoes, light stretching exercises, and sometimes use of splint in a slightly plantar flexion. ESWT (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy) may ensure a recovery without a need for another treatment.
Plantar fasciitis (calcaneal spur, policeman's heel syndrome)
Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury resulting from repetitive microinjury of the plantar fascia at its origin at the tuberosity of the calcaneus deep to the distal medial heel pad. It can also be observed in young patients with spondyloarthritis. Sometimes, a heel spur forms on the heel bone. Resting, arch-supporting heel inserts, medications, and local injections are the most frequently used treatment methods. It is one of the diseases for which ESWT and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) are very successful. Physical treatment can be applied to stubborn cases.
Anterior Compartment Syndrome
A sudden pain on the leg’s front exterior part starts after an abnormal and unusual long exercise, mostly in young adult males. In order to prevent the pressure caused by the edema after the strain, clothes causing pressure are taken off, and thus legs take rest and cold pack is applied. Therefore, disorder can be prevented in the onset. If the situation gets better, passive exercise, massage and low-frequency current are added to the treatment. If there is no response to this initial treatment, a surgery is recommended as early as possible.
Pes Planus (Flatfoot)
Pes planus (also called flatfoot or fallen arches) is a postural deformity in which the arches of the foot collapse. Most of the time Pes planus don’t cause any problem. However, it may cause fatigue and pain after walking or standing for a long time. Although there is no need for treatment for pes planus in case of no pain, treatment can be implemented in case of pain and disfunction.