April is National Foot Health Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to focus on the foundation of your movement-your feet and ankles.
Your feet and ankles are the foundation of every step you take, playing a vital role in everyday movement. Don’t let minor foot and ankle pain become something that slows you down. Learn more about how foot and ankle pain can affect your overall joint health:
How Foot and Ankle Alignment Affects Movement
With 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, the foot and ankle are intricately designed for our mobility and stability. When foot and ankle pain occur, this balance is disrupted, causing a domino effect on your overall joint health. Common causes of foot and ankle pain include:
- Bunions
- Plantar fasciitis
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Achilles tendon pain
- Fractures
These causes of foot and ankle pain can bring on other issues throughout your body through altered gait patterns and decreased activity. When you walk differently from your normal gait, stress is placed on your hips, knees, and lower back, which can create further misalignment in these joints.
Preventative Foot and Ankle Pain Treatment
Proactive care is crucial to limiting foot and ankle pain. Here are some tips to avoid unnecessary foot and ankle pain:
Wear Supportive Footwear
Choose shoes that fit well with proper arch support and cushioned soles. Shoes, such as flip flops or sandals, can cause unnecessary foot and ankle pain. And remember to replace worn-out shoes before they cause you strain.
Exercise
Make sure to do preventative exercises, such as toe curls, ankle circles, and calf raises. These exercises can increase strength and stability, improving your overall mobility.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess body weight adds strain to your feet and ankles, which can increase the chance of plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and overall foot and ankle instability.
When to See a Foot and Ankle Specialist
Foot and ankle pain can create more problems throughout your body, so it’s important to know when to seek professional help. These are some signs that it might be time to see an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist:
- Persistent pain that lasts several days
- Sharp, sudden, or shooting pain
- Persistent swelling or redness
- Difficulty walking or ankle/ foot pain when standing
- Numbness or tingling
Find Relief with Orthopedic Specialists of Jacksonville
Take control of your foot and ankle pain and get the relief you need today. Schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic physicians.