How to Correct Foot and Ankle Pain When Walking

26 Feb, 2024

Walking, a seemingly simple act, is a fundamental aspect of daily life that allows us to navigate our surroundings with ease and grace. However, for individuals grappling with foot and ankle pain, this seemingly mundane activity can become a source of immense discomfort and frustration. Fortunately, a range of effective solutions exists to correct foot and ankle pain when walking.

We hope this article helps you on your journey to reclaim your stride and embrace life without limitations. If you’d rather see a licensed podiatrist, then call Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists to schedule an appointment with a foot specialist today.

Understanding Foot and Ankle Pain

It’s important to first understand the cause of your foot and ankle pain, and a licensed foot doctor is best able to give you an accurate diagnosis. Foot and ankle pain when walking can stem from various underlying causes, including:

Muscle and Ligament Strain: Overuse, improper footwear, and biomechanical imbalances can strain and inflame the muscles and ligaments in the foot and ankle, resulting in pain during walking.
Structural Abnormalities: Conditions such as flat feet, high arches, bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis can cause misalignment and instability in the foot and ankle. This can predispose individuals to walking-related pain.
Arthritis: Degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the foot and ankle joints. This can impair mobility and exacerbate discomfort during walking.
Injuries: Traumatic injuries such as sprains, fractures, and tendon tears can disrupt the normal biomechanics of the foot and ankle, leading to pain and functional limitations when walking.

Solutions for Foot and Ankle Pain

Addressing foot and ankle pain when walking requires a comprehensive approach that targets the underlying cause of the discomfort. A podiatrist can develop a custom treatment plan that address your case. Some effective ways to correct foot and ankle pain and restore pain-free walking include:

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Footwear: Choosing supportive, properly fitting footwear with adequate arch support, cushioning, and stability features is essential. Orthopedic shoes, supportive sandals, and athletic footwear designed for specific activities can help optimize foot mechanics and reduce pain.
Physical Therapy: Engaging in a targeted physical therapy program tailored to address specific muscle weaknesses, joint stiffness, and gait abnormalities can improve foot and ankle function, enhance mobility, and alleviate walking-related pain.
Bracing and Splinting: Utilizing supportive braces, splints, or ankle stabilizers can provide external support and stability to the foot and ankle joints, thereby reducing pain and preventing further injury during walking.
Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics, and topical pain-relieving creams or patches may be prescribed to alleviate pain and inflammation.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, or viscosupplementation injections may be administered to provide targeted pain relief and reduce inflammation

Consult with a Licensed Podiatrist

The information on this page should not be taken as medical advice. If you’d like to speak with a foot care specialist or licensed foot doctor, then call Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists to schedule an appointment today. We’re also happy to arrange a walk-in if you can visit our location in the morning or early day.