Heel, Foot & Ankle
About
Along with the ankles and heels, our feet provide stability to our bodies and are essential to locomotion. If anything goes wrong with the different parts that form these structures, pain can result. There is no specific reason as to why heel, foot or ankle pain occurs. However, common problems which show similar symptoms include sprains, plantar fasciitis, diabetic neuropathy, tendinitis, hammertoe, tarsal tunnel syndrome. Taking an X-ray of the foot is the first step towards improvement. But treatment is dependent on the part of the foot that is injured, and where the pain is located.
Common causes for heel, foot and ankle pain:
• Sprains and Strains
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Tendinitis
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• Hammertoe
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Conservative therapy focuses on reducing or eliminating the overdone motion that caused the heel, foot or ankle pain in the first place. This type of therapy consists of reducing the usual activities performed by these parts of the body, applying ice and getting proper rest. Accessories such as splints or casts are also used to limit physical activity of the foot and give the muscles and tendons time to heal themselves.
Pain medications are often prescribed to patients who have swelling or are suffering from high levels of pain. However, these should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor and subsequent follow-ups should be scheduled in order to measure the effectiveness of the medications.
If the area affecting the heel, foot or ankle is severe and causing chronic pain, then surgery is the preferred option followed by non-surgical therapies.
