Top 10 Foot and Ankle Conditions You Should Know About Now

There is hope if a foot or ankle condition keeps you off your feet. Orthopedic surgeons are the experts at treating most foot and ankle problems. 

Feet and ankles are complex structures made up of bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons. And our lower extremities are one of the most used structures of the human body, so it's no surprise they get a lot of wear and tear. "We use our feet a lot, so pain and mobility problems are common. The good news is, we can treat most foot and ankle problems, and often without surgery," says Jeffrey Levy, D.O., a fellowship-trained foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon with Riverside Orthopedic Specialists.

If you have foot or ankle pain, diagnosis is the first step in getting you back on your feet and enjoying life.

1. Arthritis 

Arthritis is a joint disease that can affect the foot, ankle and big toe. Symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness. If left untreated, arthritis may cause permanent joint damage. 

2. Flat feet

Flat feet occurs when arches don't develop in childhood, after an injury or from the everyday stresses of being on your feet. If you have flat feet, your entire foot touches the ground when you stand. Flat feet can change the alignment of your legs and may cause problems with pain in your ankles and legs. 

"Developing flat feet as an adult is one of the most common problems affecting the foot. We have many treatments available, from nonsurgical methods, such as orthotics and braces, to surgery," says Dr. Levy. 

3. Bunions (Hallux Valgus) 

A bunion is an enlarged 'big toe' joint that develops from direct irritation and movement patterns. As a result, the bones that form the joint move out of alignment, and the joint becomes swollen and red. Bunions cause pain, difficulty walking and trouble finding shoes that fit. 

"Surgery isn't always required for bunions. In many cases, wearing wider shoes with adequate toe room can alleviate pain from bunions. Other treatments that take pressure off the big toe can also help," says Dr. Levy. 

4. Hammer toe 

Hammer toe occurs when the toe's middle joint is bent, and the toe resembles a hammer. It most commonly happens in the second, third and fourth toe, contributing to pain, difficulty walking, and corns or calluses on the affected toe. 

5. Metatarsalgia  

Metatarsalgia is pain and inflammation on the ball of the foot. It is usually related to how a person walks, foot anatomy and abnormalities in the foot or ankle. For example, athletes, people with high arches, and those with bunions or hammertoes are more likely to develop metatarsalgia.

6. Ankle instability 

This chronic condition stems from damage to the ligaments that hold the ankle joint in place. The instability causes the outer side of the ankle to slip. It usually results from repeated ankle sprains. Ankle instability occurs during movement but can also occur while standing. You may experience pain, swelling and discomfort with ankle instability.