Foot Pain

Foot pain and injury are widespread. You can source foot pain from local structures such as muscles, ligaments, bones and joints, or it can be referred from other sources, including your lower back and other systemic diseases such as diabetes.

Because foot pain can have many causes, it is crucial to assess foot pain by a health professional with a particular interest in managing foot pain. Only then can you be confident that your foot pain treatment addresses the “right” cause of your foot pain.

When Should You Worry About Foot Or Ankle Pain?

Some cases of foot and ankle pain require urgent attention.

Sudden Onset Foot Or Ankle Pain

Traumatic injuries that occur at speed or involve a multi-direction component such as twisting may result in foot or ankle fractures or significant soft tissue injuries, e.g. syndesmosis or high ankle sprains.

The Ottawa Ankle Rules determine the need for X-rays in acute ankle or foot injuries.

Ankle X-ray is only required if:

• There is any pain in the malleolar zone; and,
• Any one of the following:
  • Bone tenderness along the distal 6 cm of the posterior edge of the tibia or tip of the medial malleolus, or
  • Bone tenderness along the distal 6 cm of the posterior border of the fibula or end of the lateral malleolus, or
  • An inability to bear weight immediately and in the emergency department for four steps.

Foot X-ray is indicated if:

• There is any pain in the mid-foot zone; and,
• Any one of the following:
  • Bone tenderness at the base of the fifth metatarsal (for foot injuries), or
  • Bone tenderness at the navicular bone (for foot injuries), or
  • An inability to bear weight immediately and in the emergency department for four steps.

Chronic Ligament Instability

Chronic ligament instability in your foot and ankle can cause premature osteoarthritis and joint deformity. Some conditions can be safely rehabilitated without surgery, whereas other conditions, such as a Lisfranc injury, may require surgical repair.

Please consult your doctor or physiotherapist for specific foot or ankle injury advice.

Gradual Onset Pain That Fails to Improve

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures can be serious. While you may not have had a sudden traumatic injury, the ankle and foot are highly susceptible to stress fractures. Several bones in your foot can have their blood supply compromised by a stress fracture, leading to bone necrosis (death). These potentially life-changing conditions should seek an early assessment from your doctor or physiotherapist.

The good news is that most ankle and foot pain is not sinister and improves with physiotherapy and other non-surgical options.

Please ask your physiotherapist or doctor for advice.

What Are 7 Common Foot, Ankle & Heel Injuries?

• Sprained Ankle
• High Ankle Sprain
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Heel Spurs
• Severs Disease
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Metatarsalgia

Why Does It Hurt Under Your Feet?

One of the most common patient questions we receive is, “Why does it hurt under my feet?”. While there can be many causes of pain under your foot, most symptoms arise from a few common conditions.

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Heel Spurs

Based on many potential sources of your foot pain, the treatment will always vary depending upon your specific diagnosis, and rehabilitation needs to return you to the functional activities in your life.

For specific advice regarding the cause of your foot pain and the best treatment plan, please consult your trusted healthcare practitioner with a special interest in foot pain.

Foot, Ankle & Heel Pain Products & FAQs