Orthopaedics SA

Foot & Ankle Pain

Runner stretching foot and toes outdoors while wearing exercise leggings and purple trainers

Specialised treatment for foot & ankle pain

The feet and ankles are among the most commonly injured parts of the body, largely due to the stress they are placed under in day-to-day activities. Pain can result from acute injury, overuse, general wear and tear, and medical conditions such as arthritis.

Though most foot and ankle pain resolves on its own in time, some cases may need intervention from a specialty-trained orthopaedic surgeon to heal properly. Speak to a foot and ankle expert at Orthopaedics SA for individualised advice.

surgeon in theatre attire with surgical cap

foot & ankle pain frequently asked questions

Foot and ankle pain can take a variety of forms – it might feel sudden and sharp, constant and aching, or may come and go. The way the pain feels can indicate what is causing it.

Your foot and ankle pain may be accompanied by:

  • Visible bruising
  • Redness and swelling
  • The footing ankle feeling cool to the touch
  • A popping or snapping sound, either at the time of the injury or when you move the injured limb
  • Inability to bear weight on the foot
  • Numbness and/or tingling in the foot
  • Inability to stand on tiptoes
  • Changes in the shape of your foot and/or ankle
  • Stiffness

It is important to let your doctor know about all symptoms in your foot and ankle, even if you feel like they may not be related. They can indicate different conditions which have varying severity. And need different treatments

If you suffer from diabetes and experience a new or unexplained foot pain, speak to your doctor immediately. Diabetes can exacerbate foot conditions and result in life-threatening complications.

Foot and ankle pain have many causes, ranging from trauma to seemingly [nothing at all]. Examples include:

Causes of chronic (long-lasting) ankle pain

  • Stress fractures
  • Arthritis
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Bursitis
  • Repetitive movements
  • Tendonitis

Causes of sudden (acute) ankle pain

  • Fractured foot and/or ankle bones
  • Fractured ankle
  • Foot and ankle sprains
  • Foot and ankle trauma
  • Suddenly increased levels of activity
  • Ill-fitting shoes (particularly ones that are too tight
  • Sports injuries

Causes of pain in the foot

  • Neuroma
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Ill-fitting shoes
  • Running, jumping, or standing on hard surfaces
  • Sever’s disease (pain in the growth plate of the heel)
  • Heel spurs
  • Obesity
  • Complications from diabetes
  • Blisters and bruising

You can diagnose foot and ankle pain on your own, though your doctor will generally ask for more information to identify its cause and how to treat it. After asking you about your medical history, how long you have had foot and ankle pain for, and what causes your pain to increase or decrease, your doctor may request imaging tests to get a better understanding of the pain’s nature. These can include:

  • X-rays – using high energy electromagnetic waves to examine the foot and ankle bones for abnormalities.
  • MRI scans – using magnets to create detailed images of the foot and ankle’s internal structures, including soft ones such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
  • CT scans – using stronger x-rays to create cross section images of your foot and ankle.
  • Ultrasound – using sound waves to visualise the foot’s internal structures, including tendons and ligaments.

If your scans indicate an underlying abnormality, your GP will usually refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon for further advice and treatment. You can ask for a referral to Orthopaedics SA for access to a wide range of specialists.

Your treatment for foot and ankle pain depends on its cause.

In most cases, rest will be recommended as an immediate treatment for foot and ankle pain. It may be combined with over-the-counter pain medication and/or applying ice regularly to reduce swelling. Your doctor may also recommend a splint or brace to reduce stress on your foot and ankle as it heals. After your initial recovery period, a physiotherapist or podiatrist may recommend specialised exercises or orthotic insoles to keep your feet pain-free.

An ankle arthroscopy may be recommended to thoroughly diagnose the injury and remove loose bodies if they are present. Your surgeon may also use an arthroscopic approach to repair some kinds of tendon and ligament damage.

More acute injuries may be treated in an emergency room, particularly if they result from sudden foot trauma. You may require a more urgent surgery to repair broken bones, torn ligaments, or damaged tendons.

Ankle & foot treatments

  • Ankle Arthroscopy

    Ankle arthroscopy is most often performed to remove scar tissue and inflammation or to remove small detachments of bone and cartilage. Recent advances have permitted surgical procedures to be performed inside joints without opening the joints by traditional methods. Using

  • Ankle Block for Foot Surgery

    Nearly all mid and forefoot surgery can be comfortably and reliably performed using local anaesthesia (ankle block). Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Dr George Dracopoulos and Anaesthetist, Dr Glenda Rudkin have recently completed a six year study of 1000 patients

  • Ankle Ligament Reconstruction

    At Orthopaedics SA, we provide high-quality care for all of your musculoskeletal needs, including ankle ligament reconstruction surgery, a medical procedure that is used to treat ankle sprains and instability. Ankle ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect the

  • Keyhole (Minimally Invasive) Bunion Surgery

    Minimally invasive (keyhole) bunion surgery is a technique that reduces the size of the incisions during the surgical procedure. Using specialised small tools, your surgeon performs the entire bunion removal surgery through several small cuts, reducing scarring and recovery time.

  • Open Bunion Surgery

    There are over 150 different surgical options for correcting a bunion, but they all tend to involve moving the bone(s) to narrow the foot and realign the big toe as well as shaving off the bunion. Keyhole bunion surgery is

  • Total Ankle Replacement

    Though a generally uncommon procedure, total ankle replacement can drastically reduce pain and restore movement, particularly in people who suffer from conditions such as ankle arthritis. Operating from locations across Adelaide, Orthopaedics SA surgeons supply uniquely tailored assessments and treatments

Why Orthopaedics SA?

Comprehensive care

From arthritis to sports injuries, we treat a full spectrum of bone and joint conditions to keep you moving.

Expert surgeons

Our highly trained doctors have years of experience delivering precise and effective treatments.

SA’s largest practice

With 23 specialists, we offer unmatched expertise and evidence-based care for every patient.

Multiple locations

We have multiple clinics across South Australia, making it simple to find expert care nearby.

Patient-centric approach

We prioritise understanding your condition to ensure every treatment recommendation feels right for you.

Reliable support

Our team of nurses and administrative staff works behind the scenes to make your experience smooth and stress-free.

Meet our doctors

Our surgeons are highly qualified to offer personalised treatments tailored to your needs. We take the time to listen, explain your options, and ensure every decision is made with your well-being in mind.

We take responsibility for our patient’s experience

From your initial consultation to follow-up care, our team will guide you through every step of your treatment. Your specialist will provide a detailed recovery plan, including physical therapy to restore function and prevent future injuries.

Care

We care for people

Professionalism

We bring our best

Communication

We are open and genuine

Community

We are strongest together

Have questions? We're here to help.