Foot and Ankle Pain Causes and Treatments

• Arthritis.
• Bone spurs.
• Bursitis (joint inflammation).
• Hammertoe and mallet toe.
• Stress fractures.
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome.

• Arthritis (specifically, osteoarthritis).
• Blocked blood vessels.
• Gout.
• Infection in the joint.
• Nerve damage or injury, such as sciatica.
• Sprained ankle.

• If your pain does not go away after a few weeks or if swelling does not go down in two to three days.
• If you develop an infection; if your ankle is warm, tender, red or if you have a fever over 100.4 F.
• If your foot or ankle looks visibly disfigured or if you cannot put any weight on it.
• If your ankle makes a popping sound when you try to move it.
• If you have intense pain when you are not moving.
• If pain interferes with mobility.

These basic tips may help prevent pain in your foot or ankle:

• Wear proper shoes. Use hiking shoes on rough terrain. Wear steel-toed boots in your work environment if necessary. Choose appropriate athletic shoes for your sport.
• Replace athletic shoes regularly. Discard sneakers as soon as the tread or heel wears out or if the shoes are wearing unevenly. If you’re a runner, replace your sneakers every 300 to 400 miles.
• Build bone strength. Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, really can do your body good. Taking vitamin D supplements also can help.
• Use night lights. Many broken toes are the result of walking in the dark.
• Declutter your house. Keeping clutter off the floor can help you to avoid trips and falls.
• Strengthen your ankle muscles. If you are prone to twisting your ankle, ask your doctor for exercises to help strengthen the supporting muscles of your ankle.