Why does my ankle or foot hurt?
The ankle connects the leg to the foot and absorbs enormous force with every move. The most common problems are sprains and fractures — very frequent sports injuries. When a sprain isn't rehabbed properly, the ankle can stay unstable and get injured again.
These are the causes I see most often:
- Ankle sprain: after a twist, with pain, swelling and trouble bearing weight.
- Fractures: from falls, impacts or severe twists.
- Chronic instability: the ankle "gives way" easily after repeated sprains.
- Tendinitis and plantar fasciitis: overload pain in the tendon or sole of the foot.
Warning sign
If you can't put weight on your foot, the ankle swells a lot or "gives way" often, it's worth checking. A sprain treated well today prevents an unstable ankle tomorrow.
How we treat it
First we assess which structure is injured, with an exam and X-rays if needed. Most sprains improve with rehab and a good protocol; fractures and instability are treated case by case, always looking for the least invasive option.