Common Foot & Ankle Conditions

The foot is a marvel of mechanical complexity and structural strength, playing a crucial role in supporting and balancing our body’s weight. When standing, the foot acts as a stable base, and during movement, it aids in raising and propelling the body forward and backward. The ankle complements this function by serving as a foundation, shock absorber, and propulsion engine. Together, the foot and ankle form a sophisticated system that facilitates our mobility and overall physical function.

The ankle is a hinge-type, freely moving joint that connects the leg to the foot. It consists of several key components:

• Bones: The ankle joint is formed by three bones: the tibia (shinbone), the fibula (the smaller bone of the lower leg), and the talus (a bone in the foot). The tibia and fibula form a socket called the mortise, and the talus fits into this socket, allowing for the ankle’s range of motion.
• Joint Capsule: The ankle joint is surrounded by a fibrous capsule that contains synovial fluid. This fluid lubricates the joint, reducing friction and allowing for smooth movement.
• Ligaments: Several strong ligaments support the ankle joint and help stabilize it. These include the medial (deltoid) ligament on the inside of the ankle and the lateral ligaments on the outside of the ankle (anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, and posterior talofibular ligaments).
• Muscles and Tendons: The muscles of the lower leg control ankle movements, and their tendons attach to various parts of the foot and ankle. Key tendons include the Achilles tendon (connecting the calf muscles to the heel) and the tendons of the peroneal muscles (on the outside of the ankle) and the tendons of the tibialis anterior and posterior muscles.
• Cartilage: The ends of the bones in the ankle joint are covered with articular cartilage, which provides a smooth, cushioned surface for the bones to move against each other.

The intricate design of the foot and ankle includes:

• 28 small bones, making up one-quarter of the bones in the human body
• 33 joints
• Over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments
• A network of blood vessels, nerves, skin, and soft tissue

These components work in harmony to provide the body with support, balance, and mobility, allowing us to perform daily activities efficiently.

Foot Pain

The foot’s complexity as a mechanical structure means it is susceptible to various types of pain and injuries. Foot pain, while sometimes a minor nuisance, can be a sign of a serious condition or injury requiring medical attention if it is intense or long-lasting.

Causes of Foot Pain

• Acute Injuries: Sudden injuries such as ligament sprains, muscle strains, and bone fractures can occur during sports activities or even simple actions like walking on uneven surfaces. Occupations that demand long periods of standing or walking can also stress the foot’s structures, leading to painful conditions like stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and tendonitis. The AAOS emphasizes that early intervention in these cases is crucial to prevent chronic issues.
• Footwear: Ill-fitting shoes, especially those that are too tight or have high heels, can lead to foot injuries. Common issues include bunions, misalignment of the toes, and general foot pain. Proper footwear that provides adequate support and cushioning is essential to maintaining foot health.
• Medical Conditions: Diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and bursitis can cause painful symptoms in the feet. Diabetic neuropathy, for instance, can lead to nerve damage in the feet, resulting in pain, tingling, or numbness. According to Mayo Clinic, conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) can also reduce blood flow to the feet, leading to pain and slow healing of wounds. The AAOS also notes that rheumatoid arthritis can significantly impact foot health, causing deformities and severe pain.

Ankle Pain

The ankle is a hardworking joint that connects the lower leg to the foot, supporting the body’s weight and allowing for a range of movements. Ankle pain can affect any part of the ankle’s complex system of ligaments, muscles, tendons, or bones. Symptoms of ankle pain include swelling, stiffness, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty walking.

Causes of Ankle Pain

• Sports Injuries: Sports-related activities are a common cause of ankle pain. Acute injuries, such as an Achilles tendon rupture, often occur during high-impact sports like running, gymnastics, football, basketball, or tennis. Johns Hopkins notes that repetitive stress from sports can also lead to chronic conditions like tendonitis or stress fractures.
• Everyday Activities: Simple actions like stepping on an uneven surface can also cause ankle pain. Repetitive motions associated with sports, work, or daily life can lead to conditions like tendonitis or tarsal tunnel syndrome. The AAOS highlights that ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries, often occurring from twisting the ankle awkwardly.
• Overuse: Continuous strain on the ankle from repetitive activities can cause chronic conditions. For example, tendonitis can develop over time from repetitive strain on the tendons, leading to pain and reduced mobility. According to the AAOS, conditions such as Achilles tendinitis are prevalent among athletes and can become chronic if not properly treated.

Conditions We Treat

At Golden State Orthopedics & Spine, we specialize in comprehensive care and treatment for a variety of foot and ankle conditions. Our expertise covers a wide range of common causes of foot and ankle pain, including:

• Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. Both Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and management to prevent further joint damage.
• Achilles Tendon Injury or Rupture: Damage to the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. The AAOS notes that Achilles tendon injuries require careful management to avoid complications.
• Bone Spurs: Bony projections that develop along the edges of bones, often causing pain.
• Bunions: Bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, the small sacs of fluid that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints.
• Flat Feet: A condition in which the arches of the feet are flattened, leading to pain and discomfort.
• Fractures: Broken bones in the foot or ankle. The AAOS stresses the importance of proper fracture management to ensure optimal healing.
• Ganglion Cysts: Noncancerous lumps that commonly develop along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands, and sometimes in the ankles and feet.
• Hammertoe, Mallet Toe, or Claw Toe: Deformities of the toes that can cause pain and difficulty walking.
• Heel Pain: Pain that occurs at the back or underside of the heel, often caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis.
• Metatarsalgia: Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot.
• Osteochondral Lesions: Damage to the cartilage and underlying bone within a joint.
• Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, causing heel pain.
• Plantar Plate Tears: Tears in the ligament that supports the toes.
• Sesamoiditis: Inflammation or fracture of the sesamoid bones, small bones embedded within the tendons of the foot.
• Sprains and Strains: Injuries to the ligaments or muscles and tendons of the foot and ankle. The AAOS highlights that proper rehabilitation is key to recovery.
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, causing pain and numbness in the foot.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, often due to overuse.

By understanding the intricate workings of the foot and ankle, as well as the various conditions that can affect them, individuals can better appreciate the importance of proper care and timely treatment. At Golden State Orthopedics & Spine, we are committed to providing specialized and effective treatments to help our patients maintain optimal foot and ankle health. Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and AAOS all highlight the importance of early intervention and individualized treatment plans to improve outcomes and enhance quality of life for those suffering from foot and ankle conditions.