Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a strong tissue that is situated at the bottom of the foot. It acts as the connection of the heel bone and the toes, creating the arch in a foot. It also supports the foot’s arch by absorbing impact from jumping and running. The lack of stretching or strength in the calves and hamstring can lead to plantar fasciitis.  To avoid this injury, stretch and strengthen your calf muscles.

Stress Fracture

Stress fractures are tiny fissures or cracks inside the smaller bones of the foot. There will be pain where the bone is situated. Fractures are caused by landing or planting the foot improperly or awkwardly, especially on harder surfaces. Stress fractures heal over time as long as little to no weight is applied to the foot.  

Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains occur when there is damage to the ligaments inside of the ankle. This happens when the foot rolls outwards and the ankle is forced inwards. It mostly happens during an awkward landing or misstep. After the event of the injury the ankle will be swollen and stiff.

Bunions

A bunion is a bump on the joint that is situated at the base of the big toe. The skin covering the bunion is often red and sore. Bunions happen by wearing shoes that are worn out shoes or do not fit properly. They can also be caused by arthritis or a genetic issue. To prevent Bunions, wear comfortable shoes that fit and aren’t worn out. Surgery may be needed to remove the bunion but usually it heals on its own. Ice can be applied to bunions to reduce pain and inflammation.

Achilles Tendinitis

The Achilles tendon is a tissue that connects the heel bone to the calf muscles. Achilles Tendinitis happens when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed. This often causes ache close to the back of the lower part of the leg near the heel. Achilles Tendinitis is mostly caused by tight calves. Serious cases may need surgery but often the injury can be treated with ice and rest.

Turf Toe

Turf Toe happens when the big toe can bend further than the normal range of motion. It is painful when the toe is bent or manipulated upwards. It is like a sprain and causes swelling. The reason it is called “Turf Toe” is because the injury usually happens while playing sport on artificial turf. As the body moves forward while running the shoe grips to the surface, causing a sudden bend to the toe.

Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are a sort of bone spur that is situated in the heel of the foot. The spur is an “extra bone” that configures on top of a normal bone. The pain is caused when this “extra bone” presses up against another bone or tissue. The spurs occur due to tight ligaments from walking and are common in people with flat fleet. Stretching the calves help prevent ligaments from tightening.

Get Professional Help

If you are experiencing foot and ankle pain and would like to get professional help from a foot and ankle surgeon. Please set up an appointment with Dr. Dujela at Washington Orthopaedic Center at our Centralia orthopedic care location or Olympia orthopedic care location. Call 360-736-2889 to schedule an appointment today.