Foot And Ankle Pain

Your feet and ankles support your entire body, so when they experience pain, it can make movement difficult. At Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ, with offices in Summit and Montclair, New Jersey, sports medicine specialists Melissa Mascaro, MD, Joelle Stabile Rehberg, DO, and Christina Hector, DO, help you find the underlying cause of your foot and ankle pain so you can get back to daily activities, exercise, and sports quickly. Call today or use the online tool to book an appointment.

When should I see a specialist about foot and ankle pain?

When you have persistent foot and ankle pain that shows up as stiffness, aching, or sharp pain in your feet, toes, or ankles, you should see a specialist for an evaluation. The foot and ankle region has numerous bones and soft tissues that work together to allow you to stand, run, walk, and jump. 

If you have persistent pain, it can throw off your gait — how you walk or run. This may lead to compensatory pain in other areas of your body, including your knees, hips, and back. 

Don’t delay scheduling an appointment if you have pain accompanied by bruising, redness, swelling, or weakness. You should also make an immediate appointment if you have trouble putting weight on the affected foot. 

What are some common causes of foot and ankle pain?

Foot and ankle pain can result from damage to a joint, single bone, or soft tissue. Common causes include:

• Sprains
• Fractures
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Arthritis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tendinitis
• Morton’s neuroma

Foot and ankle pain can sometimes result from poorly fitting or worn-out shoes. 

How do you diagnose foot and ankle pain?

Foot and ankle pain can come from numerous sources, so your provider does a thorough exam, reviews your symptoms, asks about any activity leading up to the pain, and may order imaging tests. Imaging tests include X-rays to capture a detailed image of the bones within the foot and ankle, as well as MRIs to examine soft tissue damage or inflammation.

How do you treat foot and ankle pain?

Foot and ankle pain treatment depends on the underlying cause of the problem and the severity of your symptoms. The team at Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ recommends conservative, noninvasive treatments, including: 

• Rest from aggravating movement
• Changes in footwear
• Orthotics or braces
• Corticosteroid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma injections
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Splints
• Ultrasound therapy and osteopathic manipulations can also help with some soft tissue injuries. 

Reach out to Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ to have your foot and ankle pain evaluated. Call the office today to set up an appointment, or use this website to book.