Common Foot and Ankle Problems You Shouldn’t Ignore

 

Common Foot and

 Ankle Problems You

 Shouldn’t Ignore

Your feet and ankles are the foundation of your body. They support your weight, help you move, and maintain balance throughout your day. Yet, most people tend to overlook minor aches, stiffness, or swelling—believing they’ll go away on their own. However, ignoring early signs of foot and ankle problems can lead to long-term complications, chronic pain, and even difficulty walking.

1. Plantar Fasciitis – The Most Common Cause of Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most frequent foot problems, especially among people who spend long hours standing, running, or walking. It occurs when the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) connecting your heel bone to your toes becomes inflamed.

Symptoms

  • Sharp pain at the bottom of the heel, especially in the morning

  • Pain that worsens after standing for a long time

  • Stiffness in the foot

Causes

  • Overuse from running or high-impact activities

  • Flat feet or high arches

  • Improper footwear

Treatment

  • Rest and ice therapy

  • Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia

  • Orthotic shoe inserts

  • In severe cases, steroid injections or physical therapy

2. Ankle Sprains – A Common Sports and Daily Life Injury

Ankle sprains happen when the ligaments supporting your ankle are stretched or torn, often due to twisting or rolling your ankle. It’s one of the most common ankle problems seen in athletes and active individuals.

Symptoms

  • Pain and swelling around the ankle

  • Bruising and difficulty bearing weight

  • Limited range of motion

Treatment

  • Follow the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

  • Support with an ankle brace

  • Physical therapy for strengthening

  • In chronic cases, surgical intervention may be necessary

3. Achilles Tendonitis – The Pain Behind Your Heel

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. Repetitive strain or sudden increase in physical activity can lead to Achilles tendonitis, a painful inflammation that can restrict movement.

Symptoms

  • Pain at the back of the heel or lower calf

  • Stiffness in the morning or after rest

  • Swelling and tenderness

Treatment

  • Rest and avoid high-impact activities

  • Stretching and strengthening exercises

  • Anti-inflammatory medications

  • Shockwave therapy or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for chronic cases

4. Flat Feet (Fallen Arches)

Flat feet occur when the arches of your feet collapse, causing your entire sole to touch the ground. While many people live comfortably with flat feet, others experience pain, fatigue, and imbalance.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the arch or heel

  • Swelling along the inside of the ankle

  • Difficulty standing for long periods

Treatment

  • Supportive shoes or orthotic insoles

  • Strengthening exercises for foot muscles

  • Physical therapy

  • Surgery in severe or structural deformity cases

5. Bunions – A Painful Bony Bump

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It develops gradually, often due to tight shoes, genetics, or arthritis.

Symptoms

  • Visible bump on the side of the big toe

  • Swelling, redness, and tenderness

  • Pain while walking or wearing shoes

Treatment

  • Wearing wider shoes with soft soles

  • Padding or taping the foot

  • Custom orthotics

  • Surgical correction (bunionectomy) if the deformity is severe

6. Corns and Calluses

These are thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated friction or pressure—often from tight shoes or abnormal gait.

Symptoms

  • Rough, hard patches of skin

  • Pain or tenderness under the skin

  • Cracks or dryness

Treatment

  • Wearing well-fitted footwear

  • Regular foot exfoliation

  • Moisturizing creams

  • Podiatric removal of thickened skin layers

7. Heel Spurs

A heel spur is a calcium deposit that forms under the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms

  • Sharp, stabbing heel pain

  • Pain that worsens with activity

  • Inflammation and tenderness

Treatment

  • Rest and orthotics

  • Stretching exercises

  • Shockwave therapy or corticosteroid injections

8. Arthritis in the Foot and Ankle

Arthritis causes inflammation of the joints, and when it affects the foot and ankle, it can severely impact your mobility.

Types of Arthritis Affecting the Foot and Ankle

  • Osteoarthritis – Wear-and-tear of cartilage

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis – Autoimmune inflammation

  • Post-traumatic Arthritis – After injury or fracture

Symptoms

  • Stiffness and swelling

  • Pain that worsens with activity

  • Difficulty walking or climbing stairs

Treatment

  • Anti-inflammatory medications

  • Physical therapy

  • Orthotic devices or braces

  • Joint replacement surgery in advanced cases

9. Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and infection.

Symptoms

  • Redness and tenderness around the nail

  • Pus or infection in severe cases

  • Pain while wearing shoes

Treatment

  • Warm water soaks and antibiotic creams

  • Professional nail trimming

  • Minor surgical correction for recurrent cases

10. Diabetic Foot Problems

People with diabetes are at high risk of developing foot ulcers, infections, and nerve damage (neuropathy). Without timely care, minor wounds can turn into serious infections.

Symptoms

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Slow-healing wounds

  • Discoloration or changes in foot shape

Treatment

  • Regular foot checkups

  • Proper foot hygiene

  • Specialized diabetic footwear

  • Wound care and infection control

11. Nerve Disorders – Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves in your feet are damaged, often due to diabetes, alcoholism, or trauma.

Symptoms

  • Burning or tingling sensations

  • Numbness

  • Muscle weakness

Treatment

  • Managing underlying causes (like diabetes)

  • Medications for nerve pain

  • Physical therapy

12. Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones caused by repetitive stress or overuse, common among runners and athletes.

Symptoms

  • Gradual onset of pain during activity

  • Swelling on the top of the foot

  • Tenderness to touch

Treatment

  • Rest and immobilization

  • Avoiding weight-bearing exercises

  • Gradual return to activity under supervision

For More Information
Dr. Aditya Somayaji Orthopedic Kondapur, Hyderabad
Contact: +91 8328504271

Address: flat no. 101, SS plaza, opposite APARNA TOWERS, Hanuman Nagar, Kothaguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500084

Visit:Dr. Aditya Somayaji 

Youtube: Dr. Aditya Somayaji Orthopedic

Instagram: Dr. Aditya Somayaji

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