Top 10 Common Foot and Ankle Conditions You Should Know About

If you’re struggling with foot or ankle pain, you're not alone – and there’s good news: many of these conditions are highly treatable. Whether you’re dealing with aching arches, stiff joints or sudden injuries, orthopedic foot and ankle specialists can help diagnose the problem and guide you toward relief, often starting with conservative treatment.

Your feet and ankles form a complex system of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles that carry your body weight and allow you to move. Because of this, they’re especially vulnerable to stress, overuse and injury.

“We use our feet a lot, so pain and mobility problems are common. The good news is, we can treat most foot and ankle problems, and often without surgery,” says Jeffrey Levy, D.O., fellowship-trained foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon at Riverside Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists.

Early diagnosis and personalized care can make all the difference in your recovery. Below are the 10 most common foot and ankle conditions, and how they’re treated.

Common Foot and Ankle Problems and Their Treatments

1. Arthritis in the Foot and Ankle

Foot and ankle arthritis causes inflammation and degeneration of the joints, most often in the ankle, midfoot or big toe.

Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Swelling around the joint

• Limited range of motion

Untreated arthritis can worsen over time, leading to joint deformity. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, custom orthotics, physical therapy and when necessary, joint fusion or replacement.

2. Flat Feet (Fallen Arches)

Flat feet, or pes planus, occur when the foot's arch collapses and the entire sole touches the ground. This can be present from birth or develop in adulthood due to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

Complications may include:

• Leg fatigue
• Ankle instability
• Knee or hip pain

“Developing flat feet as an adult is one of the most common problems affecting the foot. We have many treatments available, from nonsurgical methods, such as orthotics and braces, to surgery,” explains Dr. Levy.

3. Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

A bunion is a bony bump that develops at the base of the big toe, often caused by genetics, foot structure or improper footwear.

Signs to watch for:

• Swelling, redness or tenderness
• Pain when walking
• Difficulty finding comfortable shoes

“Surgery isn't always required for bunions. In many cases, wearing wider shoes with adequate toe room can alleviate pain from bunions,” says Dr. Levy.

Conservative options include toe spacers, splints and bunion-friendly footwear, while severe cases may require surgical correction.

4. Hammer Toe Deformity

Hammer toe, or hammertoe, causes one or more toes – usually the second, third or fourth toe – to bend downward at the middle joint. This can result from muscle imbalance, tight shoes or genetic predisposition.

Common symptoms:

• Toe pain and stiffness
• Corns or calluses on the toe
• Difficulty wearing shoes

Treatment depends on severity: splinting, orthotics or surgical correction for advanced cases.

5. Metatarsalgia (Ball of Foot Pain)

Metatarsalgia refers to inflammation in the ball of the foot, often under the second and third toes. It’s common in runners, people with high arches or those who wear ill-fitting shoes.

Symptoms:

• Sharp or burning pain when walking
• Tingling or numbness in the toes
• Increased discomfort during physical activity

Treatment may include rest, ice, footwear modification and shock-absorbing insoles.

6. Chronic Ankle Instability

Chronic ankle instability often stems from repeated ankle sprains that damage the ligaments. It leads to the ankle frequently “giving out,” especially on uneven surfaces.

Signs include:

• Ongoing ankle weakness
• Swelling after activity
• Balance or stability issues

Treatment may involve physical therapy, balance training and in persistent cases, ligament reconstruction.

7. Osteochondral Lesions (Cartilage Damage)

These are injuries to the cartilage and bone beneath the cartilage in the ankle joint, typically from trauma like a severe ankle sprain.

Warning signs:

• Deep ankle pain with activity
• Catching, clicking or locking
• Swelling

Advanced imaging (like MRI) is usually needed for diagnosis. Treatment options range from non-surgical care to arthroscopy or cartilage grafting.

8. Foot and Ankle Fractures

Fractures may result from trauma (e.g., a fall or direct impact) or repetitive stress. Types include complete fractures and stress fractures.

Symptoms vary:

• Sudden sharp pain, swelling and bruising (complete fractures)
• Dull, worsening pain with activity (stress fractures)

Treatment includes immobilization, activity modification or surgical repair depending on the severity and location.

9. Achilles Tendon Injuries

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and is prone to inflammation (tendinitis) or rupture from overuse or sudden movement.

Symptoms:

• Heel pain or stiffness
• Swelling and tenderness
• Difficulty pushing off or rising on toes

Most cases improve with rest, ice and physical therapy, but tears may require surgical repair.

10. Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most frequent causes of heel pain. It involves irritation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue supporting your arch.

Typical symptoms:

• Stabbing heel pain first thing in the morning
• Discomfort after long periods of standing or walking
• Tenderness at the bottom of the heel

Treatment options include stretching exercises, night splints, orthotics, and, in some cases, corticosteroid injections or shockwave therapy.

When to See a Foot and Ankle Specialist

If you’re experiencing persistent pain, swelling or changes in how you walk, it’s time to see an expert. Early treatment can prevent complications and speed up your recovery.

At Riverside Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists, our foot and ankle team offers the full spectrum of care, from conservative treatments to advanced surgical options. So, if you have a nagging pain keeping you from being active, don't wait – get the help you need to get back to life.