The foot and ankle are complex structures made up of 26 bones, multiple joints, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues. Any injury or disease affecting these structures can lead to pain, instability, or difficulty in walking.
Below is a detailed overview of common foot and ankle conditions, grouped according to anatomical regions for better understanding. This includes Diseases, Fractures, Pain & Disorders of Foot & Ankle.
- By Dr. Anupam Khandelwal – Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Indore
Ankle Region Disorders & Fractures 🦵
The ankle joint bears your entire body weight and is prone to injuries, especially during sports or twisting movements.
Common Conditions of Ankle:
- Ankle Sprain – Ligament injury due to twisting of the foot.
- Achilles Tendinitis / Tendinopathy – Pain and inflammation of the tendon behind the ankle.
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) – Weakness of inner ankle tendon causing flatfoot in adults.
- Peroneal Tendonitis – Pain on the outer side of the ankle.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome – Nerve compression causing burning or tingling around the ankle.
- Ankle Osteoarthritis – Degenerative changes leading to stiffness and swelling.
Common Fractures of Ankle:
- Lateral / Medial / Posterior Malleolus Fracture
- Bimalleolar & Trimalleolar Fracture – Involving two or three sides of the ankle, often requiring surgery.
- Pilon Fracture (Tibial Plafond) – Severe injury extending into the ankle joint.
- Tillaux / Triplane Fracture (in Adolescents) – Growth plate injury seen in young patients.
Hindfoot (Rearfoot) Conditions 🦶
The hindfoot includes the calcaneus (heel bone) and talus, which connect the ankle to the midfoot and play a key role in shock absorption.
Common Conditions of Hindfoot:
- Plantar Fasciitis – Inflammation of the band under the heel, causing morning heel pain.
- Heel Spur Syndrome – Bony growth beneath the heel, often linked with plantar fasciitis.
- Sever’s Disease – Growth plate pain in children’s heels.
- Achilles Tendon Tear / Rupture – Sudden injury causing loss of ankle push-off.
- READ MORE about Achilles Tendon Tear / Rupture
- Posterior Heel Bursitis – Painful swelling at the back of the heel.
Common Fractures of Hindfoot:
- Calcaneus (Heel Bone) Fracture – Usually after a fall from height.
- Talus Fracture – A serious injury that can compromise ankle movement or blood supply to the bone.
- Anterior Process of Calcaneus Fracture – Often confused with ankle sprain.
Midfoot Conditions
The midfoot connects the hindfoot to the forefoot and includes the navicular, cuboid, and cuneiform bones. It is essential for arch stability and balance.
Common Conditions of Midfoot:
- Flat Foot (Pes Planus) – Loss of arch leading to fatigue and pain.
- High Arch (Pes Cavus) – Rigid, excessively curved foot causing imbalance.
- Accessory Navicular Syndrome – Extra bone on inner side of foot causing pain.
- Midfoot Osteoarthritis – Degenerative wear and tear of midfoot joints.
- Charcot Foot (Diabetic Neuroarthropathy) – Bone collapse in diabetic patients due to nerve damage.
Common Fractures / Injuries of Midfoot:
- Navicular Fracture – Often a stress fracture in athletes.
- Cuboid (“Nutcracker”) Fracture – Compression injury between heel and forefoot.
- Lisfranc Injury (Tarsometatarsal Dislocation / Fracture) – Midfoot instability, usually requires surgical fixation.
Forefoot Conditions 👣
The forefoot includes metatarsals and toes — the most active part of the foot during walking and running.
Common Conditions of Forefoot:
- Metatarsalgia – Pain in the ball of the foot.
- Morton’s Neuroma – Nerve compression between third and fourth toes.
- Bunions (Hallux Valgus) – Deformity of the big toe joint.
- Hallux Rigidus – Arthritis causing stiffness of the big toe.
- Corns & Calluses – Thickened skin due to pressure or friction.
- Gout / Pseudogout – Crystalline arthritis affecting the foot joints.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (Foot Involvement) – Chronic joint inflammation leading to deformity.
Common Fractures of Forefoot:
- Jones Fracture (Base of 5th Metatarsal) – Common sports injury.
- Avulsion Fracture of 5th Metatarsal – Caused by sudden tendon pull.
- Metatarsal Shaft Fracture – Due to direct impact or repetitive stress.
- Sesamoid Fracture / Sesamoiditis – Pain under big toe due to bone stress.
- Toe (Phalangeal) Fractures – Stubbing or crush injury.
Congenital & Pediatric Foot Disorders 👶
- Clubfoot (Congenital Talipes Equinovarus) – Birth deformity where foot turns inward and downward.
- Sever’s Disease – Heel pain in growing children.
- Flexible Flatfoot in Children – Usually harmless but may need monitoring.
🏥 When to See Dr. Anupam Khandelwal
If you experience persistent foot or ankle pain, swelling, deformity, or difficulty walking, early evaluation helps prevent long-term complications.
Dr. Anupam Khandelwal specializes in minimally invasive and laser-assisted foot & ankle surgeries for faster recovery, improved alignment, and lasting results.
📞 Book an Appointment: +91-8818814030
🌐 Visit: www.dranupamkhandelwal.com
Walking Cast for Ankle / Foot Injuries
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