Reasons for Pain in Feet and Ankles
Pain in Feet and Ankles: How to Put the Spring Back in Your Step
It starts as an irritating pain in feet and ankles. Then it becomes persistent and more intense, possibly accompanied with swelling and inflammation. Soon, you’re sidelined and dealing with pain that has halted training for months.
Top 3 Reasons for Pain in Feet and Ankles
The foot and ankle are complex structures. Considering most people take upwards of a million steps every year, it’s no wonder the feet are prone to injury.
Here are the top three reasons people complain of foot and ankle pain.
Age
Foot pain affects 1 in 4 adults after the age of 45 and what’s worse, foot pain in older adults is associated with an increased risk of recurrent falls. As we age, muscles and tendons tend to lose elasticity, which can contribute to pain in the feet. It’s important to prioritize foot health, especially for aging athletes. That includes wearing the right kind of supportive shoes, adding insoles if necessary, and taking care of injuries if they occur (instead of putting off treatment).
Obesity
A study published in the journal Obesity Research & Clinical Practice showed that as an individual’s body mass index increases from the normal range to the obesity rage, so does the likelihood that they will deal with foot pain as they age. This is true for both men and women. When you’re carrying excess weight on the body, pain in the feet and ankles can intensify. Swimming is a good form of exercise if you find weight-bearing exercise difficult.
Arthritis
Arthritis is often a reality of aging. Two common forms of arthritis are Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Each can cause pain and inflammation in the ankle and foot joints. OA (think of this as wear-and- tear arthritis) often can affect a single joint such as the big toe. RA is systemic, throughout the body. Multiple joints may be impacted by RA. Were OA may be restricted to a joint of a single foot or ankle, RA is characterized as having similar impairments of both ankles and feet. Blood and imaging tests are used to differentiate RA from OA.
Take Care of Your Aging Feet
At Twin Boro, we take the time to properly evaluate and treat patients dealing with pain in the feet and ankles to help them find the relief they need and get the spring back in their step.
Whether you’re an aging athlete or a busy professional, your treatment plan is completely customized and will factor in the severity of your pain, your age, general health and previous activity level. If you would like to know how the Physical Therapy team at Twin Boro in New Jersey can help your foot condition, we invite you to request a no-obligation appointment at one of our 23 convenient clinics. Call us at1-732-444-3578 to schedule your appointment today.
Twin Boro Physical Therapy: Voted Readers’ Choice Best of New Jersey
Voted Readers’ Choice Best of New Jersey, Twin Boro has provided NJ residents with high quality physical therapy and rehab for over 39 years! It’s our award-winning approach, proven results and reputation that sets us apart. By incorporating the One2Four program into each patient’s program, the latest and most reliable scientific research and techniques are incorporated into effective evidence-based practice. We deliver only the highest standard of care with the unique One2Four approach.
It’s no surprise that Twin Boro Physical Therapy has also been voted the best physical therapy practice in New Jersey by the readers of mycentraljersey.com.
