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Ankle / Foot Pain

Pain in the Ankle and Feet

Foot and ankle pain are a common complaint and can be debilitating. Foot and ankle pain can be evaluated based on the location of the pain:

Normal anatomy of the various areas of the foot can vary widely. Some people have short wide feet, while others have long thin feet. The position of bones and degree of longitudinal arch also vary greatly from flat arches (pes planus) to very high arches (pes cavus).

There are many joints in the foot and ankle, as well as many ligaments and tendons, that allow many movement patterns as well as individual movement of toes. This varied movement requires assistance from a variety of other structures near the foot and ankle:

With so many complex structures working together to ensure proper function for your foot and ankle, there are many ways in which an injury can occur. If any of these structures wear out or sustain damage, you may experience pain.

Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Pain

There are many potential causes of foot and ankle pain. A proper diagnosis is crucial to ensuring you receive the most effective treatment for your condition.

Forefoot Injuries

Midfoot Injuries

The midfoot is critical to arch stabilization via bones and ligaments. Injury to this area can cause instability in the foot.

Hindfoot Injuries

The hindfoot includes the talus and calcaneus bones, which allow your foot to rotate. Common types of injuries include:

Arthritis

Arthritis can develop from inflammation of the foot or ankle joint, causing pain and stiffness which gets worse over time. The most common types of arthritis include:

Treatment for Foot and Ankle Pain

At the Denver Spine and Pain Institute, we recommend conservative treatments whenever possible. Our goal is to reduce pain, increase function, and improve quality of life. If necessary, we will order imaging of the foot and ankle which could include X-rays. Depending on the specific cause of your pain, your treatment may include:

 

  • Physical therapy – The goals of physical therapy are to improve mobility, decrease pain and address any mechanical or muscular conditions that may be contributing to your pain.
  • Medication – Anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants can help provide short-term relief of symptoms, making it easier for you to participate in physical therapy.
  • Injections – If the combination of physical therapy and medications don’t provide enough relief, injections may deliver the long-term relief of symptoms you desire.
  • Regenerative medicine – Regenerative medicine therapies include platelet rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell treatments.
  • Percutaneous needle fasciotomy – This treatment is delivered using the Tenex device and is often effective when treating tendonitis.

If these conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, surgery may be necessary. Our team will perform all appropriate diagnostic testing prior to your surgical consultation to determine the precise cause and location of your pain. These diagnostic tests will provide your surgeon with the information necessary to plan your procedure.

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Restoring a Pain-Free Life

Chronic foot and ankle pain can significantly impact the quality of your life, making it hard to perform routine daily tasks and participate in your favorite activities. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with this pain any longer. At the Denver Spine and Pain Institute, we offer the most advanced treatments to alleviate your foot and ankle pain, helping you enjoy life again.

We’re the only sports, back and pain specialists in the country providing a Connected Care Approach™ specifically designed to get you back to enjoying life faster. This approach involves:

Schedule an Appointment

Please contact us today to schedule an appointment. The Denver Spine and Pain Institute serves patients in Denver and the surrounding areas of Colorado.

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