Ankle and Foot Pain

The foot and ankle are made of an intricate network of bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves that work together to support your body and allow you to move about with ease. When there is a problem with how these structures are working or there is an injury, that is when we start to experience unpleasant symptoms, like pain or restricted motion.

Discomfort can be felt anywhere from your toes to your Achilles tendon, on either side of your ankle or even your shin. It may come on suddenly from an acute injury or gradually over time from a more subtle issue.

Common Symptoms

  • Pain anywhere in the foot or ankle
  • Pain may be aggravated by certain activities
  • Swelling and/or bruising
  • Limited range of motion in any of the joints
  • Tenderness
  • Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg

Your feet and ankles support the rest of your body and are critical to the proper function of all the joints above them, including the knees, hips, low back and even the neck. If there is a problem, it is often the case other parts of the body can also be affected. For example, someone with plantar fasciitis may find that after a couple weeks of walking abnormally to reduce pressure on their foot, their knees, hips or low back may start to ache.

Common Conditions That Cause Ankle & Foot Pain

Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain is an injury to one of the ligaments in your ankle joint causing pain, swelling and restricted mobility. These ligaments connect the bones in your ankle and hold them together. Although they are somewhat flexible, a sudden twist or wrong step can overstretch or sometimes tear one or more of the ligaments.

Visit our Sprained Ankle Page to learn more.

Achilles Tendonitis

Damage to the Achilles tendon, the thick band connecting the calf muscles at the back of your lower leg to your heel bone. Usually caused by repetitive stress or extreme strain of the Achilles tendon, particularly in runners or those who play sports, active individuals who are changing or ramping up their activity or those starting a new physical exercise program. Wearing high heels or having tight calf muscles may also contribute to this condition.

Visit our Achilles Tendonitis Page to learn more.

Plantar Fasciitis

This is the most common cause of heel and foot pain. Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury to the tissues connecting your heel bone to your toes that support the arch of your foot, causing inflammation and pain.

Visit our Plantar Fasciitis Page to learn more.

Metatarsalgia

Pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot. May be caused by activities such as walking or running, but may also be caused by poor fitting shoes or standing on your feet for long periods of time.

Morton’s Neuroma

Swollen or thickened nerve in the ball of your foot that causes sharp or burning pain that can travel to your toes. Wearing tight fitting shoes or prolonged pressure on the ball of your foot can aggravate this condition.

Stress fracture

Partial or complete break in one of the bones of the foot or ankle from repetitive stress such as running, jumping or dancing.
Cold Laser Therapy for Ankle & Foot Pain

Cold Laser Therapy Foot Pain Treatment: Step 1

Cold Laser Therapy Foot Pain Treatment: Step 2

Cold Laser Therapy Foot Pain Treatment: Step 3

Decreases Inflammation: Speeds up the body's natural inflammation phase and induces the repair phase of healing.

Stimulates Blood Flow: Increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients required for healing of the affected cells.

Removes Scar Tissue: Inhibits and removes scar tissue that naturally forms after an injury and can cause discomfort and a delay in healing.

Regenerates Muscle Tissue: Transfers light energy to the affected cells of muscle, regenerating and strengthening damaged muscle tissue to prevent future injury.

Activates Cartilage Production: Promotes the natural cartilage growth process by increasing the production of cellular energy (ATP).

Accelerates Bone Repair: Simulates the bone cells to replicate and produce new healthy bone tissue.

Nerve Regeneration: Helps damaged nerves to recover by growing the neural network and repairing vital insulation around the nerve.

Visit our Cold Laser Therapy Page to learn more about how the treatment works.