Foot Anatomy and Common Foot Problems
The parts of the foot and its functions are unique but can also contribute to common foot problems. The many bones, ligaments, and tendons of the foot help you move, but they can also be injured and limit your mobility.
Causes of Foot Pain and Treatments
Common causes of foot pain include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, osteoarthritis, bunions, and more. You may find just the top of your foot hurts, or you have one-sided foot pain, or there may be pain and swelling in both feet. These symptoms can point to a specific diagnosis.
Why Your Foot or Ankle Is Swollen and What to Do for It
Swelling in the ankles and feet is a common problem. This swelling is often caused by a buildup of fluid, which is called edema. Edema is common in the feet, ankles, and legs, and often only one ankle is swollen.
Ankle sprain
An ankle sprain is a stretch or tear in one or more of the ankle ligaments. Ankle ligaments are slightly elastic bands of tissue that keep the ankle bones in place. Ankles are particularly prone to sprain because of the small size of the joint and the forces exerted when walking, running and jumping, especially if the surface is uneven.
Why does the outside of my foot hurt, and what can I do about it?
Pain on the outside of a person’s foot can occur before, during, or after activities such as walking. It can make standing or moving around difficult. Possible causes include joint or tendon inflammation and small fractures.
Insertional Achilles tendonitis: Causes, symptoms, and treatments
Achilles tendonitis (AT) is inflammation, pain, and swelling of the Achilles tendon. Insertional Achilles tendonitis is one type, which involves the lower part of the tendon that slots into the heel bone.
Anterior tibial tendonitis: Symptoms, risk factors, and treatment
Anterior tibial tendonitis is a type of ankle injury. The anterior tibial tendon lies at the front of the ankle and helps flex the foot upward. Injury to this tendon usually occurs due to overuse.
Common Causes of Foot Pain
There are many different causes of foot pain—including plantar fasciitis, bunions, arthritis, and tarsal tunnel syndrome—each of which requires different treatments. Some of these conditions affect the bones and joints of the feet, while others involve nerves and connective tissues like ligaments and tendons.
7 Exercises for Bunions and Pain
Exercises for bunions and pain can help prevent or slow bunion development or progression by reducing pressure on the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and strengthening the toe and foot muscles.
How a Stress Fracture in the Foot Feels
A stress fracture in the foot can be painful, especially when the foot bears weight. Stress fractures happen when muscles become fatigued and are unable to absorb shock, such as when your foot hits the pavement while running. Instead, this shock is transferred to the bone, eventually causing tiny cracks called stress fractures.
