Whether it’s walking up stairs, running or cycling, the foot and ankle are crucial for getting you places. That’s why foot and ankle pain can be debilitating in addition to being uncomfortable. Experiencing pain on the top of your foot near the ankle can make staying in motion feel like a challenge. When you have this kind of pain, finding relief is essential. There are a few conditions that frequently cause pain in the foot around the ankle. By learning about how certain health conditions could be the cause of your pain, you can better understand your own condition. This knowledge can be vital as you take the next step to get effective treatment.
6 common causes of pain on top of the foot near the ankle
- Tendinitis — Tendinitis occurs when tendons in any part of your body become inflamed. When you have tendinitis, you might experience chronic pain that intensifies when moving the tendon. If you are experiencing pain on top of your foot near the ankle, you might have extensor tendinitis. The extensor tendons are often used when walking and are responsible for helping your foot lift upward. Extensor tendinitis is typically caused by excess strain on your foot, which can sometimes be a product of wearing unsupportive footwear. When addressing your tendinitis pain, transitioning to supportive shoes and engaging in physical therapy can be crucial for success.
- Morton’s neuroma — Does the pain on top of your foot near the ankle come with odd burning or tingling sensations? These could be signs that your pain is rooted in a nerve condition. One common nerve condition in the foot is the thickening of a nerve in the ball of your foot. This condition is called Morton’s neuroma. People with Morton’s neuroma often experience discomfort while walking and sometimes feel as if a pebble is stuck in the front of their shoe. While this condition tends to primarily affect the front end of the foot, it can also affect the area surrounding the ankle. Left untreated, neuroma can spread into the ankles and legs. This means addressing the condition rapidly is important. Seeking physical therapy can be a great option. A physical therapist can guide you through foot strengthening exercises and use manual therapy techniques to relieve inflammation caused by neuroma.
- Peripheral neuropathy — Peripheral neuropathy refers to conditions affecting your nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Nerve damage in the foot can make your foot feel numb and weak in addition to causing other painful symptoms. Some kinds of peripheral neuropathy can cause chronic pain on top of the foot near the ankle. To treat nerve pain, it’s important to receive a professional assessment. A medical professional like a physical therapist can assess the location and extent of any nerve damage you may have. This can help you receive the targeted care you need.
- Stress fractures — Feeling foot pain after a sudden injury? A stress fracture is a kind of injury caused by overuse. When you put constant stress on a bone without giving it time to recover, you can heighten your risk of a stress fracture. To reduce pain and swelling caused by a stress fracture, resting your foot is essential. Physical therapy can help as well with targeted treatments to help you gradually return to activities.
- Inflamed sinus tarsi — The sinus tarsi region of the foot contains important nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue. When this area is inflamed, it can cause pain on top of your foot near the ankle. The tender pain associated with this condition can affect both the ankle and the foot and often comes with swelling. Sinus tarsi syndrome is a complex condition; expert guidance is typically recommended. If you have an inflamed sinus tarsi, working with a physical therapist can be a productive way to alleviate pain.
- Arthritis — Do you feel swelling or tenderness around your ankle joint? This could be a sign of arthritis. Arthritis can cause joint inflammation in many places throughout the body including the foot and ankle. Physical therapy can offer treatments designed to reduce pain and manage your arthritis over time.
Border Therapy Services can help address your foot pain
Are you ready to find a solution for your foot and ankle pain? At Border Therapy Services, our experienced team is ready to help you take the next step. Our tailored treatment plans are designed to address the source of your pain so you can stay comfortable on your feet.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.