About the Interactive of Foot & Ankle

Have foot pain or ankle pain? Click on one of the pictures below and point to the area of the foot or ankle where it hurts. Click to see some of the conditions that cause foot symptoms in that area.

Medial Ankle Pain

Click on an area of the ankle for a list of some symptoms that may produce pain in that area.

  • Foot & Ankle

    Click to see some of the conditions that cause symptoms in that area

    Achilles Tendon Rupture / Insertional achilles Tendonitis Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord present behind the ankle that connects the calf muscles to heel bone. When the Achilles tendon becomes thin, weak, or if it is not used, it may be susceptible to injury or damage.Read more
    Achilles Tendonitis The Achilles tendon is one of the longer tendons in the human body which stretches from the heel bone to the calf muscles. Achilles tendonitis may be caused by a sudden increase in activity which overstrains the tendon, tight calf muscles, and bony overgrowths.Read more
    Ankle Fracture Ankle fracture is a painful condition where there is a break in one or more bones forming the ankle joint. The ankle joint is stabilized by different ligaments and other soft tissues, which may also be injured during an ankle fracture.Read more
    Heel Pain The heel is a cushion of fat tissue at the back part of the human foot that protects the structure of muscles, ligaments and the heel bone (calcaneous). Heel pain is a common foot condition, seen in one out of 10 people with at least one episode in their life time.Read more
    Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Tarsal tunnel syndrome refers to a condition where the posterior tibial nerve that lies within the tarsal tunnel is compressed. The condition occurs when the tibial nerve is pinched.Read more
    Talar Fracture The talus is a small bone at the ankle joint that connects the heel bone and the two bones of the lower leg, enabling the up and down movement of the foot. Fractures in the talus bone may occur due to a fall from great heights, motor vehicle accidents or twisting of the ankle.Read more
    Ankle Impingement Ankle impingement is the painful limitation of movement of the ankle due to an abnormality in the soft tissue or bone.Read more
  • Foot & Ankle

    Click to see some of the conditions that cause symptoms in that area

    Ankle Sprain An ankle sprain is a common injury and occurs when you fall or suddenly twist the ankle joint or when you land your foot in an awkward position after a jump.Read more
    Fifth Metatarsal Fracture The fifth metatarsal is the long bone that is located on the outside of the foot and connects to the small toe.Read more
    Peroneal Tendonitis Peroneal tendonitis refers to the inflammation of the peroneal tendons. The common cause of peroneal tendonitis is overuse injury, a direct blow or sudden stress to the tendons, and playing sports that involve repetitive ankle motions.Read more
    Ankle Instability Ankle instability is a chronic condition characterized by a recurrent slipping of the outer side of the ankle. It usually results from repeated ankle sprains.Read more
  • Foot & Ankle

    Click to see some of the conditions that cause symptoms in that area

    Compartment Syndrome Compartment syndrome, also called chronic compartment syndrome, is a condition that causes pain or cramps in the legs during exercise.Read more
    Ankle Impingement Ankle impingement is the painful limitation of movement of the ankle due to an abnormality in the soft tissue or bone.Read more
  • Foot & Ankle

    Click to see some of the conditions that cause symptoms in that area

    Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Tarsal tunnel syndrome refers to a condition where the posterior tibial nerve that lies within the tarsal tunnel is compressed.Read more
    Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia becomes inflamed from overstretching or overuse, causing pain in the heel and bottom of the foot.Read more
    Halgund’s Syndrome / Severs Disease Halgund’s deformity is a condition in which a bony enlargement is formed in the heel. The soft tissues present at the back of your heel become irritated due to the rubbing of the extra bony growth.Read more

Medial Foot Pain

Click on an area of the foot for a list of some symptoms that may produce pain in that area.

  • Heel

    Click to see some of the conditions that cause symptoms in that area

    Heel Pain The heel is a cushion of fat tissue at the back part of the human foot that protects the structure of muscles, ligaments and the heel bone (calcaneous).Read more
    Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Tarsal tunnel syndrome refers to a condition where the posterior tibial nerve that lies within the tarsal tunnel is compressed. The condition occurs when the tibial nerve is pinched.Read more
    Sever's Disease Sever’s disease is a painful inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. Sever’s disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, is a condition that affects growing adolescents, causing swelling and pain at the back of the heel.Read more
    Achilles Tendon Rupture Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord present behind the ankle that connects the calf muscles to heel bone. When the Achilles tendon becomes thin, weak, or if it is not used, it may be susceptible to injury or damage.Read more
  • Midfoot

    Click to see some of the conditions that cause symptoms in that area

    Lisfranc Fracture Lisfranc fractures may occur as a result of a blow, forceful twisting motions, dropping something heavy on the foot and is more common in runners, military personnel, football players and horseback riders.Read more
    Metatarsal Fracture The fifth metatarsal is the long bone that is located on the outside of the foot and connects to the small toe. There are two types of fractures that often occur in the fifth metatarsal, avulsion fracture and Jones fracture.Read more
    Navicular Fracture Navicular fractures are rare and include mostly stress fractures that occur with sports activities, such as running and gymnastics, as a result of repeated loading on the foot.Read more
  • Ball of Foot

    Click to see some of the conditions that cause symptoms in that area

    Bunion A bunion is a bony protuberance that appears on the external surface of the big toe when it angles toward the adjacent toe. It is an extra bone and a fluid-filled sac that grows at the base of the big toe.Read more
    Morton's Neuroma Morton's neuroma refers to a nerve injury between the toes, usually the third and fourth toes, which causes pain and thickening of the nerve tissue.Read more
    Forefoot Fractures The forefoot is the front of the foot that includes the toes. Fractures occurring in this part of the foot are painful but very often not disabling.Read more
    Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia becomes inflamed from overstretching or overuse, causing pain in the heel and bottom of the foot.Read more
    Sesamoiditis Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the sesamoid bone and the associated tendons. It is commonly seen in ballet dancers, sprinters and basketball players.Read more
    Flat Foot Flatfoot, also known as fallen arches or pesplanus, is a deformity in which the arch that runs along the sole of the foot is not formed (in children) or collapses to the ground (in adults due to various foot problems).Read more
  • Toes

    Click to see some of the conditions that cause symptoms in that area

    Gout Gout is a very common, painful form of arthritis which causes swelling, redness and stiffness of the joints.Read more
    Bunions A bunion is a bony protuberance that appears on the external surface of the big toe when it angles toward the adjacent toe.Read more
    Hammer Toe A hammertoe is a deformity of a lesser toe (second through fifth toes), where the toe gets bent upward at the toe’s middle joint, resembling a hammer.Read more
    Ingrown Toe Nail Ingrown toenail is a very common and painful condition of the toe. It occurs when the sides or corner of the nail grow inwards and penetrates into the skin of the toe.Read more
    Claw Toe Claw toe is a deformity, where a toe bends and appears like a bird’s claw. The affected toe is bent upward from the joint at the ball of foot, and downward at the joints in the middle and tip of the toe to curl under the foot.Read more
    Turf Toe Turf toe is an injury to the ligament at the base of the big toe. It is a painful condition which usually results from jamming of the toe into the ground or excessive backward bending of the toe.Read more
    Toe Fracture The forefoot is the front of the foot that includes the toes. Fractures occurring in this part of the foot are painful but very often not disabling.Read more

Possible Diagnosis

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord present behind the ankle that connects the calf muscles to heel bone. When the Achilles tendon becomes thin, weak, or if it is not used, it may be susceptible to injury or damage.

Symptoms:

  • Severe pain, swelling, stiffness
  • A popping or snapping sound
Read more

Ankle Fracture

Ankle fracture is a painful condition where there is a break in one or more bones forming the ankle joint. The ankle joint is stabilized by different ligaments and other soft tissues, which may also be injured during an ankle fracture.

Symptoms:

  • Swelling and Pain
  • Impaired mobility
  • Hemarthrosis
  • Ankle deformity in severe cases
Read more

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is one of the longer tendons in the human body which stretches from the heel bone to the calf muscles. Achilles tendonitis may be caused by a sudden increase in activity which overstrains the tendon, tight calf muscles, and bony overgrowths.

Symptoms:

  • Swelling and bruising
  • Mild or severe pain
  • Stiffness
  • Loss of strength
  • Decreased movements of the ankle
  • Muscle weakness or tenderness
  • Difficulty in walking or standing
Read more

Heel Pain

The heel is a cushion of fat tissue at the back part of the human foot that protects the structure of muscles, ligaments and the heel bone (calcaneous). Heel pain is a common foot condition, seen in one out of 10 people with at least one episode in their life time.

Symptoms:

  • Chronic Pain
  • Sharp or stabbing pain in the heel
Read more

Insertional Achilles Tendonitis

Insertional Achilles tendinitis is the degeneration of the fibres of the Achilles tendon directly at its insertion into the heel bone. This condition is commonly seen in people between the ages of 40-50 years.

Symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Tenderness at the back of the heel
  • Swelling
Read more

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome refers to a condition where the posterior tibial nerve that lies within the tarsal tunnel is compressed. The condition occurs when the tibial nerve is pinched.

Symptoms:

  • Numbness
  • Pain
  • Burning sensation
Read more

Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain is a common injury and occurs when you fall or suddenly twist the ankle joint or when you land your foot in an awkward position after a jump.

Symptoms:

  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Numbness of toes
  • Bruising
  • Inability to walk
  • Inability to bear weight on the ankle
Read more

Ankle Instability

Ankle instability is a chronic condition characterized by a recurrent slipping of the outer side of the ankle. It usually results from repeated ankle sprains.

Symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Swelling at the ankle
  • Persistent Discomfort
  • Frequent instability of the ankle during sports or walking
Read more

Fifth Metatarsal Fracture

The fifth metatarsal is the long bone that is located on the outside of the foot and connects to the small toe. There are two types of fractures that often occur in the fifth metatarsal, avulsion fracture and Jones fracture.

Symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Bruising on the outer side
  • Difficulty in walking
Read more

Peroneal Tendonitis

Peroneal tendonitis refers to the inflammation of the peroneal tendons. The common cause of peroneal tendonitis is overuse injury, a direct blow or sudden stress to the tendons, and playing sports that involve repetitive ankle motions.

Symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness and redness
  • Warmth on the outer part of the ankle
  • Popping sound on movement of ankle
Read more

Ankle Impingement

Ankle impingement is the painful limitation of movement of the ankle due to an abnormality in the soft tissue or bone. Ankle impingement is seen in athletes whose actions involve repeated upward bending of the ankle.

Symptoms:

  • Swelling
  • Pain which increases with movement
  • Clicking sensation on movement of the foot
Read more

Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome, also called chronic compartment syndrome, is a condition that causes pain or cramps in the legs during exercise. This pain usually lessens on stopping the activity. It most often occurs in the front compartment of the lower leg.

Symptoms:

  • Deep pain in the leg
  • Numbness
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Tightness in the leg
Read more

Talar Fracture

The talus is a small bone at the ankle joint that connects the heel bone and the two bones of the lower leg, enabling the up and down movement of the foot.

Symptoms:

  • Severe pain
  • Inability to walk
  • Tenderness
  • Swelling
Read more

Haglund’s Deformity

Halgund’s deformity is a condition in which a bony enlargement is formed in the heel. The soft tissues present at the back of your heel become irritated due to the rubbing of the extra bony growth.

Symptoms:

  • Pain in the region where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel
  • A bump at the back of the heel
  • Redness of the inflamed tissue
  • Swelling in the heel
Read more

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia becomes inflamed from overstretching or overuse, causing pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It can occur in one or both feet due to excessive standing and is one of the most common orthopedic complaints, especially in active men between 40 and 70 years of age.

Symptoms:

  • In the morning when you step out of bed
  • Walking after sitting or standing for some time
  • Climbing stairs
  • After exercise
Read more

Severs Disease

Sever’s disease is a painful inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. Sever’s disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, is a condition that affects growing adolescents, causing swelling and pain at the back of the heel.

Symptoms:

  • Pain in one or both heels, usually at the back
  • Difficulty walking, walking with a limp or walking on tiptoes
  • Heel may appear red, swollen and warm
  • Pain when heel is squeezed on both sides
  • Symptoms improve with rest and worsen with activity
Read more

Lisfranc Fracture

Lisfranc fractures may occur as a result of a blow, forceful twisting motions, dropping something heavy on the foot and is more common in runners, military personnel, football players and horseback riders.

Symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Swelling in the midfoot area
  • Bruising on the undersurface of the foot
  • Inability to bear weight
Read more

Bunion

A bunion is a bony protuberance that appears on the external surface of the big toe when it angles toward the adjacent toe. It is an extra bone and a fluid-filled sac that grows at the base of the big toe.

Symptoms:

  • Swelling
  • Pain and tenderness around the big toe
  • Turning of big toe towards the adjacent toe
  • Change in the shape of the foot
  • A bony mass at the joint surface of the big toe
  • Pain and discomfort while walking
  • Restricted movements of big toe
Read more

Morton’s neuroma

Morton’s neuroma refers to a nerve injury between the toes, usually the third and fourth toes, which causes pain and thickening of the nerve tissue. Compression or chronic irritation of this interdigital nerve is the main cause of Morton’s Neuroma.

Symptoms:

  • Burning pain in the ball of the foot (may also radiate to the toes)
  • Numbness in the affected toes
  • Inability to walk
Read more

Forefoot fractures

The forefoot is the front of the foot that includes the toes. Fractures occurring in this part of the foot are painful but very often not disabling. There are 2 types of fractures namely, traumatic fracture and stress fracture.

Symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Inability to walk
Read more

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the sesamoid bone and the associated tendons. It is commonly seen in ballet dancers, sprinters and basketball players. It is an overuse injury caused by an increased pressure over the sesamoid bones resulting in a chronic inflammation.

Symptoms:

  • Chronic or acute pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
Read more

Flat foot

Flatfoot, also known as fallen arches or pesplanus, is a deformity in which the arch that runs along the sole of the foot is not formed (in children) or collapses to the ground (in adults due to various foot problems). Flatfoot can be rigid or flexible.

Symptoms:

  • Inside arch of the foot is flattened
  • Inside arch of the foot is flattened
  • Inner aspect of the foot may appear bowed out
  • Pain in the foot, leg, knee, hip or lower back
  • Pain in the heels causing difficultly with walking/running
  • Discomfort with wearing shoes
  • Tired, achy feet with prolonged standing or walking
Read more

Gout

Gout is a very common, painful form of arthritis which causes swelling, redness and stiffness of the joints. Gout is caused by increased levels of uric acid in the tissues and blood from abnormal metabolism.

Symptoms:

  • Warmth and redness
  • Swollen joint
  • Pain and tenderness of the big toe
  • Formation of uric acid crystals called tophi
Read more

Hammer toe

A hammertoe is a deformity of a lesser toe (second through fifth toes), where the toe gets bent upward at the toe’s middle joint, resembling a hammer. The bent portion may rub against a shoe causing pain, irritation and development of corns.

Symptoms:

  • Toe bent downwards
  • Corns and callus formation
  • Difficulty in walking
  • Inability to flex or wiggle your toes
  • Claw toe
Read more

Ingrown toe nail

Ingrown toenail is a very common and painful condition of the toe. It occurs when the sides or corner of the nail grow inwards and penetrates into the skin of the toe. Pain is often accompanied by swelling and redness.

Symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Tenderness in the toes
  • Reddening around the toenail
  • Swelling
  • Tissue infection
Read more

Claw toe

Claw toe is a deformity, where a toe bends and appears like a bird’s claw. The affected toe is bent upward from the joint at the ball of foot, and downward at the joints in the middle and tip of the toe to curl under the foot.

Symptoms:

  • Appearance of corns
  • Bent toe
  • Pain
  • Difficulty in walking
Read more

Turf toe

Turf toe is an injury to the ligament at the base of the big toe. It is a painful condition which usually results from jamming of the toe into the ground or excessive backward bending of the toe.

Symptoms:

  • Pain at the base of big toe
  • Swelling
  • Limited movement
Read more

Investigations

non-surgical treatment
  • Initial
  • Secondary

non-surgical treatment

non-surgical treatment

location & directions