All about ankle and foot pain

The ankle pain can be caused by acute injury, overuse or chronic structural problems. It is a fundamental joint for gait, balance and stability, so any alteration can significantly affect mobility. The most common causes of ankle pain include:

Traumatic injuries

• Ankle sprain (strain or tear of the ligaments, especially the external lateral ligament)
• Bone fractures
• Dislocations or subluxations joints
• Contusions or bruises after impacts

Overuse or wear and tear injuries

• Tendonitis of the Achilles or peroneal tendon
• Plantar fasciitis (although it affects more the foot, it can cause pain radiating to the ankle).
• Anterior or posterior ankle impingement syndrome
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis
• Ankle osteoarthritisespecially after poorly recovered injuries
• Biomechanical or structural alterations
• Chronic ankle instability
• Flat or cavus foot without correction
• Dysmetria or gait disturbances
• Poor plantar support (detectable by means of a study of the footprint)

The symptoms of ankle and foot pain vary with the cause vary depending on the cause, but usually include:

• Localized pain on the inside, outside, front or back of the ankle
• Swelling, redness or temperature increase
• Difficulty to support or walk normally
• Sensation of ankle instability or “failure” of the ankle
• Joint stiffness or locking
• Pain that increases with physical activity or going up/down stairs
• In the foot: pain in the sole (especially when standing up), in the heel or in the arch.
• Tingling or numbness if nerve involvement is present

Persistent or recurrent pain may indicate a poorly healed injury or a functional impairment that needs specialized treatment.

At MIVI Health we perform a comprehensive approach to treat ankle and foot pain, adapting the treatment to each patient according to the diagnosis and their level of activity.

1. Medical and physiotherapeutic assessment

• Analysis of gait and support
• Stability, mobility and strength tests
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound if necessary.
• Referral for advanced imaging tests (radiography, MRI) in complex cases.

Specialized physiotherapy

• Manual therapy and joint mobilization
• Strengthening and proprioception exercises to avoid relapses
• Dry needling or percutaneous electrolysis (EPI) in tendinopathies
• Treatment of fasciae, ligaments and trigger points
• Re-education of the footprint and postural correction
• Specific stretching and functional motor control

3. Interventional treatments

In cases of persistent pain, we apply advanced techniques:

• Ultrasound-guided infiltrations with anti-inflammatory drugs or hyaluronic acid
• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for chronic tendinopathies
• Nerve blocks or radiofrequency in selected cases of neuropathic pain

Ankle or foot pain that does not improve? At MIVI Salud we help you to walk without pain and recover your quality of life. We have an expert team in physiotherapy, pain and biomechanics that will work with you from day one.

Accurate diagnosis

Personalized treatments

Complete functional reeducation

Make an appointment and start moving without limitations.