Ankle arthritis can significantly impact daily life, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling surrounding the ankle joint. Symptoms often worsen with activity and can limit mobility. Individuals may notice a reduced range of motion and find it difficult to walk or climb stairs without discomfort. Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy weight and choosing appropriate footwear, can help manage symptoms. For more severe cases, surgical interventions like ankle fusion or ankle replacement may be help restore function and reduce pain. Podiatrists can provide a tailored treatment plan to manage symptoms effectively and enhance your overall mobility and comfort. If you are experiencing persistent ankle pain or suspect arthritis, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. 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 Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Exercising your feet offers numerous benefits that can enhance your overall foot health, reduce pain, and keep you active. Gentle stretches and strength exercises improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support your feet, which can help prevent injuries and alleviate discomfort. For example, toe raise, point, and curl exercises can get your toes and feet moving, while toe splay movements help gain control over your toe muscles. Toe extensions are particularly beneficial for preventing or treating plantar fasciitis. Additionally, activities like toe curls, marble pickups, and big toe stretches strengthen various muscles in your feet and improve their range of motion. Rolling a tennis ball under your foot can also provide relief from arch pain and plantar fasciitis. Finally, Achilles tendon stretches help maintain flexibility while preventing foot, ankle, and leg pain. You can perform these foot exercises three days a week or even daily for lifelong foot health. If you have any injuries, arthritis, diabetes, or persistent foot and ankle pain, consult a foot doctor before starting any new exercise routine. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and expert treatment. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Bunion pain arises when a bony bump forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. This condition, known as a bunion, occurs due to prolonged pressure on the foot, often from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. The pressure causes the big toe to lean towards the second toe, resulting in the joint jutting out and becoming inflamed. This inflammation leads to pain, swelling, and redness. Genetics also plays a role, as bunions can run in families. Additionally, certain foot shapes and conditions, such as flat feet or arthritis, increase the likelihood of developing bunions. The pain can be worsened by activities that put extra stress on the feet, such as standing for long periods or engaging in high-impact sports. Proper footwear, orthotics, and, in severe cases, surgery can help alleviate bunion pain. If you have a bunion that is causing you pain and discomfort, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment for you.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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