Common Causes of Chronic Ankle and Foot Pain

We go through our days running with the dog, walking from place to place, working out at the gym, or going grocery shopping. But people who suffer from chronic ankle or foot pain are frequently concentrated on that pain. Today Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC are sharing information regarding some of the most common causes of chronic ankle and foot pain. 

Common Causes of Pain in the Heel

Spurs: Heel spurs – an irregular growth on the bottom of the heel - is typically the result of an unusual posture or walking, running, or wearing the wrong type of shoe. They are treated with orthotic inserts, heel pads, physical therapy, or shock-absorbing soles.

Heel Fracture: These typically occur during a car accident or fall, causing the heel to splinter. Treatment options include crutches or a cast or splint.

Plantar Fasciitis: This is an irritation or inflammation of the band of tissue that connects the toes to the heel. Treatment consists of heel and foot stretches and wearing shoes with sufficient support. 

Common Causes of Pain in the Ball of the Foot 

Metatarsalgia: This inflammation in the ball of the foot can occur jumping or running, or from wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. It is typically treated with shoe inserts or proper footwear. 

Morton’s neuroma: This is a growth that typically develops between the third and fourth toes and can cause numbness or pain in the ball of the foot. It is typically treated with steroids or injections, inserts, or wearing proper footwear.

Sesamoiditis: This condition occurs when tendons that surround the bones near the big toe become injured or inflamed. It can be treated by wearing foot pads or taping the big toe.

Common Causes of Pain in the Toe 

Gout: This is a form of arthritis that develops when crystals accumulate in the toe joints and cause swelling and pain. 

Claw Toe: This typically develops from alcoholism or diabetes, when there is damage to the nerves in the foot. The toe points up or down and cannot be straightened.

Common Causes of Other Foot Pain 

Neuropathy: Commonly caused by diabetes, this nerve damage causes a burning or stinging feeling. 

Tendonitis: This typically develops when the tendons are inflamed or irritated.

Ankle Sprains: Ankle sprains occur after a fall or when the ankle is twisted. When not properly treated, even simple ankle sprains can result in chronic pain.

Whatever is causing your chronic foot and ankle pain, the important thing is to seek treatment as soon as possible. Contact the offices of Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC today to schedule a consultation. 

We serve both New Haven County and Fairfield County areas. Schedule an appointment by calling our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown location at (203) 270-6724. Don’t wait any longer to seek treatment!