Ankle pain can make walking, standing, and everyday activities difficult, especially when discomfort continues without an obvious injury. The ankle supports body weight and allows the foot to move, so problems affecting joints, nerves, or circulation can cause symptoms. Common signs include aching, swelling, or tenderness surrounding the joint. Gout, arthritis, and blocked blood vessels are possible causes. Risk factors vary depending on the condition, but age, underlying health problems, and previous injuries may increase the likelihood of ankle discomfort. Identifying the cause helps guide appropriate treatment.

Gout is an inflammatory form of arthritis that develops when uric acid crystals collect inside a joint. It often affects the big toe but can also involve the ankle, causing sudden, intense pain with redness and swelling. Risk factors include kidney disease, family history, and elevated uric acid levels. Arthritis more broadly involves joint inflammation or cartilage damage. Osteoarthritis may cause gradual stiffness and discomfort, while inflammatory arthritis can produce persistent swelling. Age, previous joint injuries, and certain autoimmune conditions can increase arthritis risk.

Nerve damage can cause ankle discomfort along with burning sensations or numbness. Diabetes is a common risk factor because elevated blood sugar can damage nerves over time. Injuries and nerve compression may also contribute. Blocked blood vessels can reduce circulation to the feet and ankles, sometimes causing cramping pain during walking. Peripheral artery disease is often associated with smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Other warning signs include cold feet or sores that heal slowly. 

A podiatrist can examine the ankle, assess sensation and circulation, and recommend X-rays or other imaging tests when necessary. Treatment depends on the cause and may include medication, custom orthotics, or wearing supportive shoes. Prompt evaluation helps prevent complications and supports better mobility. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Running places repeated force on the feet and ankles, especially when mileage or intensity rises too quickly. This strain can irritate muscles, tendons, or bones. Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain when the band beneath the foot becomes irritated. Achilles tendonitis affects the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel. Ankle sprains occur when the ankle rolls and stretches the ligaments that hold it together. Stress fractures are small cracks in bones caused by repeated pressure. Pain that changes a runner’s stride should not be ignored because altered movement can place stress on other areas.

Several factors raise the risk of a running injury. Wearing shoes that lack support can allow poor foot alignment and reduce protection from impact. Uneven surfaces, weak ankle muscles, and limited flexibility can contribute. A sudden change in distance, pace, or hill training places extra demand on tissues that are not prepared for the added workload. Warning signs while running include increased foot pain, swelling, or tenderness in one spot. Other concerns include bruising, reduced ankle motion, or pain that continues after activity. A popping sound, inability to bear weight, or visible change in shape needs prompt medical evaluation.

A podiatrist can examine how the feet and ankles move, locate the injured area, and determine the severity of the problem. X-rays can reveal fractures or changes in joint alignment. Other imaging tests can help identify stress fractures or soft-tissue damage that does not appear on an X-ray. Treatment includes activity changes, bracing, or custom orthotics to improve support and reduce pressure. A podiatrist can assess running shoes and identify problems with foot mechanics. For injuries, a walking boot can protect the area while it heals. Surgery can be considered for a severe fracture, a complete tendon tear, or an injury that remains unstable. If you have injured a foot or ankle while running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe can result from stubbing the foot, dropping a heavy object on it, or taking a forceful step during sports. A big-toe fracture can be especially serious. The big toe helps the body balance and push forward while walking. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising. The toe may also look crooked or feel too tender to touch. Some fractures extend into a joint or cause bone pieces to move out of position. A cut near the injury can signal an open fracture. This means the broken bone is exposed through a wound. Examination is important because a sprain, bone bruise, and fracture can cause similar symptoms.

A podiatrist can assess the injured toe. X-rays can confirm a fracture and show its location, pattern, and severity. Other imaging tests can provide more detail when nearby tissue damage is suspected. Treatment depends on which toe is broken and whether the bone remains aligned. A podiatrist can reposition a displaced bone so it heals correctly. This foot doctor can also protect the toe with taping, a splint, or a stiff-soled medical shoe. These measures limit painful movement and reduce pressure on the injured toe. Follow-up X-rays can track healing before the patient returns to demanding activities. Many broken toes heal within several weeks, although recovery varies with the injury.

Severe fractures sometimes need surgery. This can be necessary when a break enters a joint, bone pieces are widely separated, or the toe remains unstable. Pins, screws, or plates can hold the bone in place while it heals. Early treatment can lower the risk of lasting stiffness, deformity, and pain. Urgent evaluation is important when the toe looks misshapen, the skin is broken, or numbness develops. People with diabetes or poor circulation should seek immediate care because healing problems can be more serious. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot stretches can help runners prepare their feet and ankles for activity. They may improve flexibility, mobility, and awareness when performed regularly. Options include toe stretches, ankle mobility exercises, and toe scrunches. These movements can be useful before or after running, depending on comfort and training needs. They may help reduce stiffness and support efficient movement, but they cannot prevent every running injury.

A toe stretch gently lengthens the tissues around the toes. Sit and use your hand to move the toes backward until you feel a mild stretch. Hold briefly without forcing the movement. This exercise may improve toe flexibility and help runners maintain comfortable foot motion. An ankle mobility exercise can involve slowly moving the ankle through controlled circles. Move in both directions with careful control while keeping the lower leg relaxed. This can support ankle mobility and reduce stiffness.

Toe scrunches strengthen the small muscles that help support the foot. Sit with your foot flat and use your toes to gently gather a towel toward you. Relax and repeat several times. This exercise may improve foot strength and control, which can help runners manage impact. Risk factors for running injuries include sudden mileage increases, and training on challenging surfaces. Poor flexibility or limited ankle mobility may also affect movement.

A podiatrist can evaluate your feet and ankles when pain, swelling, or injuries develop. The examination may include checking strength, flexibility, and tender areas. Imaging tests may be recommended when a stress fracture or other injury is suspected. Treatment also can include activity changes, wearing supportive footwear, or custom orthotics. Stretching should never cause sharp pain. If you have developed foot and ankle injuries from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include additional foot and ankle stretches. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.