Foot and Ankle Pain Care

Key Takeaways

• Foot and ankle pain can result from injury, overuse or underlying conditions affecting bones, joints, tendons or ligaments.
• We treat a full range of conditions — from common issues like plantar fasciitis and bunions to complex injuries and deformities.
• Treatment typically starts with nonsurgical options. Surgery is recommended only when necessary.
• Our team includes orthopaedic surgeons and podiatrists (doctors who specialize in foot and ankle care) who work together to provide personalized care.

Foot and ankle pain can make it hard to walk, stay active and do everyday tasks. At the University of Chicago Medicine, our foot and ankle specialists provide personalized care for everything from routine aches and sports injuries to complex conditions.

Our team takes time to explain your condition, review all treatment options and help you make informed decisions. We also emphasize preventive care, including proper footwear and foot care for patients with diabetes.

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What Causes Foot and Ankle Pain?

Your feet and ankles are made up of many ligaments, muscles, tendons and nerves that help you move and stay balanced. Because they support your body with every step, they are more likely to develop pain, injuries or other problems over time.

Common causes include:

• Arthritis in the foot or ankle: Inflammation and breakdown of joint cartilage, causing pain and stiffness.
• Flat feet or high arches: Structural differences in the shape of your foot that can cause pain and affect how you walk.
• Sprains, dislocations and fractures: Injuries to the ligaments or bones of the foot or ankle.
• Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. It is a common cause of heel pain.
• Bunions: A bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint shifts out of alignment, causing pain and visible deformity.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints, causing localized pain and swelling.
• Achilles tendinitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the large tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone, often from overuse.
• Sports-related injuries: Including ankle sprains, stress fractures and overuse injuries from running, jumping or other activity.
• Trauma-related conditions: Pain or damage resulting from a significant injury or accident.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain and swelling.
• Nerve conditions: Including numbness, tingling or burning in the foot, sometimes related to diabetes or nerve compression.

Foot and Ankle Symptoms

Foot and ankle problems can cause different symptoms depending on the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the heel, arch or ball of the foot
• Swelling or stiffness
• Trouble walking or putting weight on the foot
• Tenderness along tendons or ligaments
• Visible changes, such as bunions or flat feet
• Numbness or tingling

If your symptoms last more than a few days or make daily activities difficult, a specialist can evaluate your condition, identify the cause and help prevent it from getting worse.

Foot and Ankle Treatment Options

We focus on nonsurgical treatments first whenever possible. Your care plan is personalized to your condition and goals.

Nonsurgical Treatments

• Anti-inflammatory medications: Drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and swelling.
• Ice, compression and elevation: Simple measures to manage pain and reduce swelling after an injury.
• Orthotics or casting: Custom shoe inserts (orthotics) or a cast to support and protect the foot or ankle while it heals.
• Physical therapy and exercise: Targeted exercises to restore movement, build strength and reduce pain.
• Footwear modifications: Changes to your shoes to reduce pressure and support better foot mechanics.
• Steroid injections: Medicine injected directly into the painful area to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Surgical Options

If surgery is needed, we offer a full range of procedures, including:

• Ankle arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure using a tiny camera and small instruments to diagnose and treat problems inside the ankle joint.
• Bunion surgery (bunionectomy): Correcting the misaligned joint at the base of the big toe to relieve pain and restore normal alignment.
• Reconstructive foot surgery: Rebuilding or reshaping the foot to correct deformities and restore function.
• Revision surgery: Correcting problems from a prior foot or ankle procedure.
• Total ankle replacement: Replacing the damaged ankle joint with an artificial implant to relieve pain and restore movement.
• Trauma and fracture surgery: Surgical repair of broken bones or significant injuries in the foot or ankle.

Our team works closely with rehabilitation specialists to support your recovery before and after treatment.

Foot Care for Patients with Diabetes

Diabetes can affect circulation (blood flow) and nerve function in the feet, increasing the risk of injuries that are slow to heal. Even minor cuts or sores can become serious problems.

We provide guidance on proper footwear, daily foot care and preventive strategies to help reduce complications and support long-term foot health.