Adult-acquired flatfoot

This condition happens when the arch of the foot disappears, flattening your foot. Doctors think this happens because of problems with the posterior tibial tendon. These problems can be due to injury, overuse or arthritis. Usually doctors try nonsurgical treatment first, like foot braces or shoe inserts (orthotics). If those treatments don’t work or if your flatfoot is advanced, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Arthritis of the foot and ankle

Foot and ankle arthritis is inflammation of joints in the foot and ankle. It can happen as you age, because the cartilage between your bones wears away over time with normal use. It can wear away more quickly if you play sports or are active. Disorders that make the immune system attack joints, including rheumatoid arthritis, palindromic rheumatism and lupus, can also cause foot and ankle arthritis. The condition often causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the foot or ankle.

This condition is often treated with over-the-counter pain medicine, injections and orthotics, which are inserts you wear in your shoes. If these treatments don’t help, your doctor might recommend surgery. Ankle replacement surgery replaces the joint with a metal and plastic implant. Fusion surgery connects the bones of the ankle into one piece.

Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendon rupture

The Achilles tendon is a thick cord that connects your calf muscles to your heel. Achilles tendonitis happens when the tendon becomes irritated and inflamed. It’s usually due to overuse, often from sports, and can make the tendon more likely to rupture.

Achilles tendon rupture typically happens during high-intensity activities. The tendon may snap completely. Or it may just tear a bit.

Nonsurgical treatments for Achilles tendonitis include rest, over-the-counter pain medication and physical therapy. Achilles tendon rupture can also be treated with these methods or by preventing your ankle from moving with a cast, boot or splint.

Many cases of Achilles tendon rupture and tendonitis improve with these treatments. In some cases, surgery to repair the tendon is necessary.

Sprains

Sprains occur when the ligaments that hold bones together are stretched as your ankle or foot twists awkwardly. Foot and ankle sprains can happen during sports or with other movement. Sprains are typically treated with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers, and by elevating the ankle.

If you have a severe sprain, you may need imaging to check for other problems. You may also need crutches or braces and physical therapy. If you develop chronic (long-term) instability, surgery may also be necessary.

Complex ankle fractures

A complex ankle fracture is when a bone in the ankle breaks in several places or when a bone breaks along with damage to soft tissue, like nerves, blood vessels or skin. Complex ankle fractures often happen during an accident, like a fall from a high place or a car crash. Surgery is often needed to repair the damage.

Congenital deformities

Congenital deformities are deformities that you are born with. Treatment for congenital deformities typically starts with nonsurgical treatments, including moving the foot into a desired position and using casts or bracing. Surgery may be needed if these options aren’t successful.

Osteochondral defects in the ankle joint

These defects, also called lesions, are injuries to bone and cartilage at the bottom of the ankle. They typically happen after a severe strain or other injury. They can cause pain and lead to swelling when you are active. Some cases can be treated with rest, a brace and physical therapy. If those don’t work for you, your doctor may suggest surgery.

Exercise

Your doctor may recommend certain kinds of exercise to improve your symptoms.

Injections

Injections of medications that reduce inflammation are a common treatment. These often help reduce pain. They can also help your doctor identify the underlying source of your pain.

Medicine

Over-the-counter pain medicines, including ibuprofen, can treat pain and swelling. Some pain medicines may react with prescription medicines. Your provider can recommend the best pain medicine for you.

Orthotics

Orthotics are wearable devices that treat foot and ankle conditions. Custom-made or over-the-counter orthotics can help reduce your pain and improve how you walk or run. These fit in your shoes and can be different sizes and levels of stiffness for specific problems.

Physical therapy

Your doctor might recommend physical therapy to treat your foot or ankle pain. In physical therapy, your therapist will move or stretch your foot or ankle. They might show you exercises to strengthen your foot or ankle, which you can also do at home.

Splinting and bracing

Splints and braces help keep your foot or ankle from moving. They are easier to wear than a cast, but they provide less support. Usually you’ll wear them for four to eight weeks.