Most common reasons people experience foot and ankle pain is due to a sprain/strain of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This could be caused by injury or by simple repetitive use. Sometimes the foot pain will be at the bottom of the foot and causes a “burning” sensation. This can be caused by plantar fasciitis or metatarsalgia. Both conditions can be easily corrected with custom foot orthotics. Pain and swelling of the big toe is usually indicative of gouty arthritis and can be ruled out with X-rays and blood tests. Other types of arthritis can also cause pain in the foot and ankle. Occasionally the nerve which serves the toes can be impinged causing a condition called Morton’s Neuroma. If rupture of the tendons or ligaments is suspected, an MRI may be needed.
