What Pain in Different Areas of the Foot and Ankle Can Indicate

Pain in the foot or ankle can show up in many places, each pointing to a different possible cause. Discomfort in the heel may be linked to strain in the tissue under the foot or to a bony growth where the heel meets the ground. Arch pain can come from overuse, poor support, or conditions like flat feet. The ball of the foot may hurt due to pressure from wearing tight shoes, overuse injuries, or nerve irritation. Pain in the toes might suggest problems like ingrown nails, arthritis, or deformities such as hammertoes. Around the ankle, soreness can result from past injuries, ligament strain, or inflammation of nearby tendons. Noticing where the pain starts and when it occurs helps narrow down the issue. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain that does not go away or makes movement difficult, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for a complete evaluation.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis

• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes

• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet

• Arthritis

• Flat feet

• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain

• Arch pain

• Toe pain

• Ball of foot pain

• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality

• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.