How to Correct Foot and Ankle Pain When Walking

05 Mar, 2024

Foot and ankle pain can be more than just a nuisance; it can significantly impact your ability to walk, move, and enjoy daily activities. Whether it's a mild discomfort or a debilitating condition, experiencing pain in the feet and ankles while walking is a serious concern that warrants attention and intervention.

In this article brought to you by Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists, we'll explore the causes of foot and ankle pain while walking. We’ll also discuss when to seek help from a licensed podiatrist and explore strategies for finding relief and restoring mobility.

Understanding the Causes of Foot and Ankle Pain While Walking

You have to understand what you’re trying to fix. Foot and ankle pain while walking can stem from a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

Musculoskeletal Conditions: Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, and arthritis can cause pain and discomfort particularly during weight-bearing activities like walking.
Biomechanical Issues: Structural abnormalities, gait abnormalities, and improper footwear can contribute to biomechanical imbalances that lead to pain and strain in the feet and ankles while walking.
Overuse and Injury: Repetitive stress, overuse, and sudden injury can result in strains, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries in the feet and ankles.
Neurological Disorders: Neurological conditions such as peripheral neuropathy or nerve compression syndromes can cause numbness, tingling, or shooting pain in the feet and ankles while walking.

As you can see, there are many things to consider. Still, awareness of these factors improves your chances of avoiding foot and ankle injuries.

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When to Seek Help from a Podiatrist

While occasional foot and ankle pain may resolve on its own with rest and conservative measures, chronic or severe pain while walking warrants an evaluation by a licensed podiatrist. It's important to seek professional help if:

The pain persists for more than a few days despite rest and self-care measures.
The pain is severe, interfering with daily activities and quality of life.
There are signs of swelling, redness, warmth, or deformity in the affected foot or ankle.
The pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the foot or ankle.

It’s important to visit a foot specialist. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with a licensed foot doctor, then call Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists. We are happy to schedule a convenient appointment today.

Strategies for Correcting Foot and Ankle Pain While Walking

Once the underlying cause of foot and ankle pain while walking has been identified, a podiatrist may recommend a combination of conservative treatments to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. These measures can include one or more of:

Custom orthotic devices, such as shoe inserts or braces,
Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises,
Wearing supportive, properly fitted footwear with adequate cushioning, arch support, and stability,
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, or other medications may be prescribed,
Resting the affected foot and ankle, avoiding activities that exacerbate pain, and modifying daily activities to reduce stress on the affected areas.

Consult with a Licensed Podiatrist

Whether you need general foot care or comprehensive evaluations and treatment, the professionals at Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists are here to help. Contact us today to speak with a member of our team and schedule a convenient appointment. We are also happy to arrange a walk-in for as soon as possible.