Foot & Ankle Pain Treatment – Adelaide, SA

What is foot and ankle pain?

Foot and ankle pain refers to any kind of pain or discomfort affecting any part of the foot or ankle. Foot and ankle pain usually gets better with at-home treatments such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. An examination from a podiatrist and a thorough treatment program can help you strengthen muscles and prevent another injury. Podiatrists treat more severe pain with braces and splits, injections, and referral for surgery.

Foot and Ankle Pain Treatment in Adelaide

Foot and ankle pain and injuries are very common amongst people of all ages. Luckily, there’s a podiatrist in Adelaide with the clinical skills and ability to diagnose and treat the majority of cases.

Dr. Hawra Alzamely, BPod, is an experienced podiatrist that provides treatment of foot and ankle problems.

Our podiatrist approaches foot and ankle pain with a two-step patient care plan. First, she seeks to determine the root cause of the painful symptoms. Then, she works to stop further development and relieve the problem.

Contact a podiatrist if:

  • Foot and ankle pain is severe or doesn’t go away after two to three days of at-home treatment.
  • Pain and swelling come on suddenly.
  • The area is red or warm to the touch, or you have a fever, which could be a sign of infection.
  • You can’t put weight on your foot or ankle.
Adelaide Foot Doctor | Excellence in the Treatment of the Foot & Ankle | Adelaide, SA

Foot & Ankle Pain FAQ

Frequently asked questions and answers about all things foot and ankle pain treatment.

Foot and ankle pain and ankle injuries are very common. You’re more likely to have foot and ankle pain if you:

  • Are over age 65.
  • Play sports or do activities that involve jumping, side-to-side movements or quick changes in direction.
  • Carry extra weight or are obese

Pain in the foot and ankle can result from several injuries and conditions. Some of the most common injuries that cause foot and ankle pain include:

  • Bursitis: Fluid-filled sacs called bursae cushion your bones when they move. Bursitis happens when these sacs become irritated and inflamed.
  • Fractures: An accident or injury can cause bones to break (fracture). Foot and ankle fractures range from mild to severe. Broken feet and ankles can involve bones and joints. A broken foot or ankle causes swelling and pain.
  • Sprains: Sprained feet and ankles are a common cause of ankle pain. A foot or ankle sprain happens when ligaments stretch or tear. Sprained or twisted ankles happen when the foot or ankle rolls forcefully out of its normal position.
  • Tendonitis: Irritated, inflamed tendons are a soft-tissue injury called tendonitis. Tendons connect muscles to bones. Sometimes, a tendon can tear (such as an Achilles tendon rupture). A torn tendon may need surgical repair.

Many diseases, disorders and conditions can also lead to ankle pain. These include:

  • Arthritis: Pain and stiffness in the joints of the foot and ankle can result from arthritis. Arthritis happens when cartilage (tissue in joints that cushions bones) breaks down. The breakdown causes bones to rub together. Injuries and overuse can lead to arthritis, and it’s more common in people over 65. Common types include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
  • Flatfoot: A very low arch (or no arch at all) can cause pain and swelling in the ankles and feet. Sometimes, kids’ arches don’t develop normally as they grow up, resulting in the condition.
  • Gout: A type of arthritis, gout results from a buildup of uric acid throughout the body. Typically, uric acid leaves the body in urine. Excess uric acid creates crystals that settle in the joints. Gout in the ankle can be very painful.
  • Infection: Several types of infection, including cellulitis, can cause swelling and pain in the joints. A bone infection called osteomyelitis can result from a staph infection.

A registered, Dr. Hawra Alzamely, BPod, is known for his foot and ankle treatment skill and experience. Over the years, she’s mastered the nuances of treating foot and ankle pain so that she consistently produces excellent results. Her patients appreciate her kind manner, attention to detail, and rave about their care.

Our podiatrist works hard to make sure that patients are comfortable in the office and are fully confident in their choices. She is a member of the Australian Podiatry Association, and Sports + Exercise Podiatry Australia.

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In general, metatarsalgia manifests due to several causes working together. While the ball of your foot can handle most daily stressors, it needs time to recover. By placing several different stresses on the metatarsals, you’re more likely to do damage that results in pain and discomfort. 

Intense running or other exercise is a common cause of ball of foot pain. Distance runners, in particular, suffer from metatarsalgia due to the constant impact on the front of the foot. While correct shoes with extra cushioning can help mitigate the stress, they may not be enough if you run long distances several times per week.

Certain foot shapes, like high arches, can put extra pressure on the metatarsals. A high arch usually puts a lot of stress on the front of the foot and can lead to foot pain. Individuals who have longer second toes than big toes also tend to suffer from ball of foot pain due to the increased strain on the second metatarsal.

Hammertoes and bunions can affect the way you walk, which can cause ball of foot pain. As you shift your weight to accommodate these aspects of your foot, you may put more strain on the metatarsals, resulting in discomfort and stress on the joints. 

Poorly fitting shoes are a common culprit of metatarsalgia. High heels transfer most of the person’s weight onto the front of the foot instead of the heel, resulting in a high occurrence of ball of foot pain. Shoes that are too tight or have a narrow toe box can affect your foot shape, resulting in an uneven gait that can put stress on the metatarsals.  

In some cases, metatarsalgia may not be a result of lifestyle or activity but as a symptom of Morton’s neuroma. This condition is a non-cancerous growth of tissue around the nerve situated between the third and fourth metatarsal head. The growth puts pressure on the nerve, which results in numbness and tingling radiating into the toes and can sometimes cause pain similar to metatarsalgia. 

If you injure yourself or foot and ankle symptoms continue to worsen after several days of rest and home care, you should schedule an appointment with your foot and ankle specialist. In some instances, foot or ankle may be a symptom of a more severe underlying condition, like a stress fracture or Morton’s neuroma. 

Podiatrists use several tests to determine the cause of metatarsalgia. The exam will often begin with questions about your lifestyle and symptoms to identify the potential cause of the pain. The physical portion of the exam involves physical manipulation of the foot to replicate your symptoms.  

Our podiatrist may recommend an x-ray to rule out stress fractures and ultrasound or another imaging modality to check the soft tissue around the metatarsals and joints. 

Most foot and ankle pain gets better with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain medication. Follow your provider’s instructions for at-home treatments. Your provider may recommend the RICE method (rest, ice, compression and elevation). If pain is severe or your foot or ankle still hurts after a few days of at-home care, see Dr. Alzamely.

The most common home treatments for foot and ankle pain are:

  • Rest: If you’ve had an injury such as a sprain, you should stay off your feet for a while. Talk to your provider about how long you should rest. Crutches or a walking boot can help you get around without putting weight on your ankle.
  • Ice: To reduce swelling, apply ice or a cold compress to the area for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours.
  • Compression: Ask your provider about wrapping an elastic bandage around your foot or ankle to reduce inflammation. Be careful not to wrap it too tight.
  • Elevation: Resting with your foot or ankle elevated above your heart reduces swelling. You can also try to sleep with your foot elevated at night.
  • Over-the-counter pain medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)can relieve pain and reduce swelling. Talk to your provider before taking any medication.
  • Supportive footwear: Make sure your shoes provide adequate support for your feet and ankles. Avoid flip-flops, sandals and shoes that are too loose. It’s especially important to wear proper footwear when playing sports. Activities such as basketball and volleyball can lead to ankle injuries, especially without the right footwear.

Most foot and ankle injuries heal with at-home treatments. More severe injuries may require surgery. Treatment depends on what’s causing foor and ankle pain. Common treatments include:

  • Braces and splints: An ankle brace may relieve pain and stabilize your ankle. Some braces are better for certain activities. Ask your provider to recommend one that works best for your lifestyle.
  • Medications: Several types of medication can reduce inflammation and relieve ankle pain. Drugs to treat arthritis and gout can significantly reduce pain and swelling.
  • Orthotic inserts: Orthotics are inserts that fit into your shoes. You can buy them from the store, or your provider can custom-make them for your feet. Orthotics support and stabilize the foot while ensuring proper alignment.
  • Dry Needling: Dry needling is used to promote local healing, reduce pain in the area that the needle is inserted in and release myofascial trigger points in muscles.
  • Excercise Prescription: A customized program will help you improve flexibility and strengthen muscles that support your ankle. Your physiotherapist will create a plan with exercises and stretches designed just for you. Be sure to do your prescribed exercises and stretches regularly.
  • Foot mobilisation and manipulation: It works by improving the mobility and congruency of joints in the feet, which in turn allows muscles to work more efficiently around those joints. This establishes better movement pathways and can help to relieve chronic pain.
  • Steroid injections: Your provider uses a needle to inject anti-inflammatory medication directly into your joint. Cortisone shots reduce inflammation and pain.

Dr. Alzamely Will Help Get You Back On Your Feet

By seeking treatment, our patients are able to return to their daily activities, pursuits, and life better than ever and free from foot and ankle pain.

Her combination of clinical skills and caring demeanor with her patients makes Dr. Hawra Alzamely, BPod, one of the most sought-after podiatrists in Adelaide.

If you’re ready to stop living with pain and live your best life, schedule a consultation today.

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Podiatrist Hawra Alzamely provides a wide range of treatment options. If you’re ready to address your foot and ankle concerns, book an appointment online today.