Ankle pain may occur due to a number of different reasons, including obesity. Patients who are obese may experience ankle pain more commonly than others because of the additional weight being carried by their feet. Athletes are also common patients who will likely experience some form of ankle pain. Since athletes are often involved in sporting activities that may result in them falling awkwardly and rolling their ankle or tearing the ligaments in their ankle, it’s important that they take certain precautions before beginning said activity.
Wearing proper footwear and athletic guards, as well as stretching before a sporting event, are great ways to help prevent injury to the ankle. If by chance you do sustain ankle injury, there are certain practices you can perform to help alleviate the discomfort. Icing the affected area, compressing the ankle, keeping the ankle elevated, and getting plenty of rest are all methods that may help lessen the pain that can come with having an ankle injury.
If you believe you’re experiencing an ankle injury, it’s highly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist for professional care and an advised treatment plan.
Signs that you may have a heel spur include pain felt in the heel region, swelling at the front of the heel, and inflammation. If the affected area also feels warm to the touch, you may be experiencing the symptoms of a heel spur. Heel spurs are extremely uncomfortable and can often lead to a great deal of pain if left untreated. They may develop due to excess body weight, complications with arthritis, wearing poorly fitted shoes, and bruising of the heel.
A heel spur takes the form of a bony-like growth. This is due to a calcium deposit that extends between the heel bone and foot arch. They can grow up to half an inch in length; however, they may not be outwardly visible. Because heel spurs tend to grow, increasing the overall discomfort felt, it’s important that you seek professional help as soon as pain is experienced for early detection.
For a proper diagnosis and recommendations for treatment, we suggest you consult with a podiatrist about any heel pain concerns.