Ankle pain affects the joint that connects the lower leg to the foot, making everyday activities such as walking, standing, and climbing stairs more difficult. The pain may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually because of repeated stress. Symptoms range from mild soreness to sharp pain that limits movement. You might also notice swelling around the ankle joint or stiffness after resting. Common causes include sprains, arthritis, and tendon injuries. Risk factors include previous ankle injuries, wearing poorly fitting shoes, and participating in activities that involve sudden changes in direction. Identifying the source of ankle pain is important because the right treatment depends on the underlying condition.

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the joint stretch or tear, often after the foot twists unexpectedly. This injury commonly causes tenderness and swelling around the ankle. Arthritis also produces ankle pain when joint cartilage becomes damaged or inflammation affects the surrounding tissues. People with previous fractures or long-term joint stress may face a greater risk. Another possible cause is Achilles tendinitis, which develops when the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel becomes irritated. This condition may cause pain behind the ankle, especially while walking or climbing stairs. Repeated activity, sudden increases in exercise, and wearing inadequate footwear can contribute to tendon problems.

Ankle pain may also result from fractures, gout, or nerve irritation. A fracture occurs after a fall or direct impact, often causing significant pain and difficulty bearing weight. Gout develops when uric acid crystals collect in a joint, triggering sudden inflammation and intense discomfort. Nerve problems may produce burning sensations or tingling around the ankle. Certain factors increase the likelihood of these conditions. They include aging, excess body weight, and medical conditions that affect joint health. Persistent pain should not be ignored, particularly when it interferes with normal movement. 

A podiatrist helps determine why your ankle hurts by reviewing your symptoms and examining joint movement, stability, and tenderness. Depending on the findings, X-rays or other imaging tests may be needed to identify fractures or joint damage. Treatment may include supportive bracing, footwear changes, or recommendations for managing inflammation. Following treatment instructions and allowing enough time for healing help protect your ankle from further damage. If you have sudden or consistent ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain can stop an athlete from training, competing, or moving comfortably. The location of the pain can provide a clue about its cause. Pain under the heel is frequently linked to plantar fasciitis, which is irritation of the tissue that supports the arch. Pain at the back of the heel also can involve the Achilles tendon or a fluid-filled sac called a bursa. Repeated impact can cause a heel-bone stress fracture. Sudden increases in training, hard playing surfaces, and wearing shoes that lack proper support can raise the risk of these problems.

Symptoms differ based on the injured area. Plantar fasciitis usually causes sharp pain with the first steps after rest, while an Achilles problem can hurt during running or jumping. A stress fracture can cause pain that becomes stronger with activity and may continue at rest. Because several conditions produce similar symptoms, athletes should avoid returning to full activity before the cause is identified. Continuing to train through pain can worsen tissue damage, change the way the athlete moves, and place added strain on other parts of the foot or ankle.

A podiatrist can examine the heel, review the athlete’s training pattern, and assess foot movement. X-rays can reveal some bone problems, while other imaging tests can identify a stress fracture or soft-tissue injury that is difficult to see. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and severity. A podiatrist can recommend temporary activity changes, supportive shoes, or custom orthotics to improve pressure distribution. Treatment can also include immobilization to protect an injured area. Surgery is reserved for severe injuries or problems that do not improve with other care. The podiatrist can guide a gradual return to sport and address training or shoe factors that could contribute to another injury. If you have heel pain after exercise or sports activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

A broken toe is a fracture in one of the bones of the toe. A common cause is a stubbed toe that strikes furniture or another hard surface. A dropped heavy object can also injure the toe and cause a fracture. Symptoms may include bruising, swelling, and difficulty walking. Some people notice that the toe looks crooked or cannot be bent. Because these symptoms can resemble a severe bruise, a podiatric evaluation can determine the extent of the injury and help prevent additional complications.

Certain factors can increase the risk of a broken toe. Sporting activities can increase the chance of an impact injury. Walking barefoot around furniture may also make a stubbed toe more likely. Weakened bones can increase fracture risk. Additionally, wearing poorly fitting shoes can increase pressure on the toes. Persistent swelling, significant bruising, or an inability to move the toe should not be ignored.

A podiatrist will examine the injured toe and check its movement, alignment, and tenderness. X-rays may be recommended to confirm a fracture, and treatment depends on the type and severity of the break. A stable fracture may be supported with buddy taping. A stiff-soled shoe can limit painful movement during healing. More serious fractures may require realignment or additional stabilization. Your podiatrist will explain how to protect the toe during recovery and monitor healing when needed.

During recovery, follow your podiatrist's instructions and avoid activities that increase pain or pressure. Elevating the foot can help reduce swelling, while protecting the toe from impact may support healing. Do not attempt to straighten a crooked toe yourself, as this may worsen the injury. Seek prompt podiatric care if pain is severe or the toe appears deformed. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Foot biomechanics refers to the way the bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles work together during movement. The feet form an important part of the lower body’s movement system because they interact directly with the ground. When walking, they must manage forces created by body weight while helping the body remain balanced. Normal foot biomechanics allow these forces to be distributed throughout the foot and lower leg. The arches also play an important role in supporting weight. Bones and ligaments provide stability, while the tissue along the bottom of the foot helps absorb stress as the toes extend during push-off.

Walking requires the foot and ankle to change position with each step. Pronation happens after the heel touches the ground. The foot rolls slightly inward and becomes more flexible, helping it absorb shock and adjust to the walking surface. Later, supination occurs as the foot rolls slightly outward. This makes the foot firmer and more stable so it can push off the ground. Together, pronation and supination help maintain balance, spread pressure across the foot, and support smooth movement.

A podiatrist can evaluate foot biomechanics when pain or changes in walking suggest that the feet are not functioning efficiently. Abnormal pronation or supination can influence other areas because movement of the feet is connected with the lower legs and knees. The effects may extend higher through the body as well. A biomechanical evaluation can examine foot position, joint movement, and walking patterns to better understand how forces travel through the lower body. Identifying unusual movement patterns can help guide appropriate podiatric treatment for related foot and ankle concerns. If foot pain or changes in your walking pattern are affecting comfortable movement, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a professional evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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