Virtually everyone will experience foot pain and ankle pain at some point in their lives. With the load our feet and ankles have to carry with every step, every day, they can be prone to injury from overuse or trauma.
While mild pain can often be resolved by resting the injured or hurting foot and ankle area, it’s still best to seek medical attention – especially if it lasts longer than a day or two. Let’s talk about some of the most common reasons why people experience foot and ankle pain, and where you can go to receive efficient and thorough orthopedic medical care here in Plantation.
Common Foot and Ankle Conditions
Many people prefer to “tough it out” when they feel pain in their feet or ankles. They assume that in a few days, it will pass.
However, foot and ankle problems can sometimes worsen if left unchecked and untreated, including the following types of acute or chronic injuries:
Sprains
The strong, thick, fibrous tissue that connects two bones together at a joint is called a ligament. When a ligament is stretched or torn, it is called a sprain. Your ankles are particularly prone to sprains due to their range of motion and frequency of use.
A stretch or tear in a ligament can be caused by excessive force or by over-flexing the joint. If the ligament is torn, it is still considered a sprain whether the tear is partial or total – but the treatment may be different based on the severity of the tear.
Strains
Often confused with sprains, strains occur when either a muscle or a tendon, which connects muscle to bone, is stretched or torn. A strain usually happens when a muscle is overused or overworked; you often hear of a strained back, for example. A common cause is poor posture when trying to lift or move heavy or bulky objects, which leads to pain that indicates a strain.
Similarly to sprains, a strain can be a pulled muscle or tendon, a partially torn muscle or tendon, or a fully torn muscle or tendon. The latter may require surgical repair if the injury is severe.
Torn Achilles Tendon
Your heel bone is connected to your calf muscle by the powerful Achilles tendon. Foot movement relies on this tendon for support and mobility.
When the calf muscle contracts sharply – such as when playing sports – the Achilles tendon can be damaged, overextended, or fully ruptured. If the tendon ruptures, you will experience extreme pain and have difficulty walking.
Foot Fracture
A human foot consists of 26 relatively small bones. High-impact activity, a slip-and-fall accident, or a car accident can all cause acute foot fractures.
Stress fractures, which are tiny breaks in a bone, can cause gradual pain that tends to progress with activity. Improper form, overuse, or repetitive motion can result in these small hairline fractures.
Arthritis
Arthritis has a wide variety of causes, and it can affect virtually any joint in your body, including those in your feet and ankles. The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The usual symptoms involve joint inflammation, pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Foot and Ankle Doctors in Plantation, FL
If you are experiencing foot and ankle pain that isn’t getting better, contact Baylis & Brown Orthopedics. We can diagnose and treat a variety of orthopedic conditions, including foot and ankle pain. Our team will provide you with the quality healthcare you deserve.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, you may call our office today at (954) 476-8800 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!
