Foot Injury, Ankle Injury

1. Poorly fitting shoes
2. Poor walking form
3. Diseases such as diabetes
4. Injuries such as strains or sprains

Common Injuries /Situations and Solutions

Sprains and strains are caused by a ligament being stretched beyond its normal limit. If you are in pain for more than a day or two, or if the pain is intense, you should see a doctor or physical therapist.

Shin Splints is a catch-all phrase for a number of foot and ankle problems, including overuse of the muscles and tendons. They often result from sports that require a great deal of jumping.

Plantar Fasciitis is an irritation of the plantar fascia - the tough tissue on the very bottom of the foot that begins at the heel and is attached to the toes. It can result in pain and lead to a heel spur (a bony growth on the underside, forepart of the heel bone). It is caused by straining the foot muscles, stretching the band of tissue connecting the heel and ball of the foot and by repeated tearing of the lining of the membrane that covers the heel bone.

Metatarsalgia is pain in the forefoot, usually caused by the over-prominence of one of the metatarsal heads (heads of the bones in the ball of the foot).

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a repetitive motion type injury that is much like it's cousin in the hand/wrist (carpal tunnel). It can often be blamed on ill-fitting shoes that cause inflammation and irritation of the ligaments running from the foot to the ankle

Things like flat feet (unusually low arches), high arches or diseases like Diabetes, Charot's arthropathy or arthritis can also cause foot and ankle problems. In many injury cases, RICE is a good course of action to follow, standing for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. This can help reduce the risk of further injury until a physician or physical therapist can be seen and should never be a substitute for medical care in situations of extreme injury or pain.