Dr Dolapo Sotade
Dr Dolapo Sotade is a Fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with a comprehensive practice in hip and knee joint replacement …
Foot and ankle pain
Your feet and ankles play an important role in everyday life. They support your body weight, help maintain balance, and allow you to walk, run, climb stairs and participate in the activities you enjoy.
Explore orthopaedics > Foot and ankle Pain
Because the foot and ankle experience significant stress throughout daily life, they can be affected by a range of conditions, including arthritis, injuries, tendon disorders and structural problems. These conditions can lead to pain, stiffness, reduced mobility and difficulty participating in work, sport and everyday activities.
This page provides general information about some common causes of foot and ankle pain, how they may be diagnosed, and the treatment options available to patients across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.
Foot and ankle arthritis
Arthritis is one of the leading causes of foot and ankle pain. It occurs when the normally smooth surfaces within a joint become damaged, leading to pain, inflammation and reduced movement.
Common types of arthritis
Osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis, involving gradual wear and tear of the joint surfaces.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the joint lining and may affect multiple joints throughout the body, including the feet and ankles.
Gout
A form of inflammatory arthritis caused by crystal deposits within the joints.
Psoriatic Arthritis
An inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain or discomfort
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Warmth or redness
- Tenderness to touch
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
How is foot and ankle arthritis diagnosed?
Your GP will discuss your symptoms and examine your feet and ankles. Imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans may be recommended, along with blood tests to investigate underlying conditions.
Treatment options
Many people successfully manage foot and ankle arthritis without surgery. Treatment options may include:
- Activity modification
- Weight management
- Podiatry care
- Supportive footwear
- Custom orthotics or shoe inserts
- Medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Braces or assistive devices
- Surgical treatment, where appropriate
Foot and ankle injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are common and can range from minor sprains through to fractures and tendon ruptures requiring urgent medical attention.
Common foot and ankle injuries
Fractures
Broken bones resulting from trauma, falls, sporting injuries or repetitive overload.
Ankle Dislocations
Occur when bones move out of their normal alignment and require urgent treatment.
Ligament Injuries & Ankle Sprains
Often caused by rolling the ankle and may range from mild stretching to complete ligament rupture.
Ankle Instability
Can develop when severe ligament injuries fail to heal properly, resulting in ongoing pain and recurrent sprains.
Tendon Injuries
May involve strains, inflammation or tears affecting tendons around the foot and ankle.
Achilles Tendon Rupture
A serious injury involving complete tearing of the Achilles tendon.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty walking
- Reduced movement
- Instability
- Difficulty weight bearing
Diagnosis process
Your healthcare professional may perform a physical examination and recommend imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans to determine the extent of the injury.
Treatment options
Depending on the injury, treatment may include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Immobilisation with a brace, boot or cast
- Walking aids such as crutches
- Physiotherapy
- Exercises
- Medications
- Heat or cold therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Surgical treatment, where appropriate
Foot & Ankle Deformities
Foot and ankle deformities can affect the alignment, shape and function of the foot. While some deformities are present from a young age, others develop gradually over time due to arthritis, tendon dysfunction, injury, genetics or changes in foot mechanics.
These conditions can lead to pain, difficulty with footwear, reduced mobility and challenges participating in everyday activities.
Common conditions
Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
A deformity in which the big toe gradually drifts towards the smaller toes, creating a prominent bump on the side of the foot.
Hammer Toes & Claw Toes
Deformities affecting the lesser toes, which may cause rubbing, corns, calluses and difficulty fitting into shoes.
Flatfoot
A condition where the arch of the foot collapses or flattens, potentially affecting walking, balance and tendon function.
High-Arched Foot (Cavus Foot)
A foot shape characterised by an unusually high arch, which can place increased pressure on parts of the foot and contribute to pain or instability.
Common symptoms include:
- Changes in foot shape or alignment
- Pain when walking or standing
- Difficulty wearing certain footwear
- Corns or calluses
- Pressure areas or rubbing
- Reduced mobility
- Instability
- Forefoot pain
Diagnosis process
Your healthcare professional will discuss your symptoms, examine your foot and ankle alignment, and assess how the condition is affecting your daily life.
Depending on your symptoms, investigations may include X-rays, ultrasound, MRI or other imaging to assess bone alignment, tendon function and the presence of arthritis.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the deformity and may include:
- Footwear modifications
- Orthotics or shoe inserts
- Padding, splints or toe spacers
- Bracing
- Physiotherapy
- Activity modification
- Callus care
- Medications or injections where appropriate
- Surgical treatment, where appropriate, if symptoms continue to affect your function or quality of life.
Rehabilitation and recovery
Rehabilitation is an important part of many treatment plans.
Depending on your condition, recovery may involve physiotherapy, strengthening programs, mobility training and support from allied health professionals to help you return to everyday activities as safely as possible.
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How to access orthopaedic care
If you'd like to see one of our orthopaedic specialists, speak with your GP about a referral. Your GP can discuss your symptoms, treatment history and whether a referral to an orthopaedic specialist may be appropriate.
Foot and ankle pain FAQs
Receiving a referral to an orthopaedic specialist may raise questions for you. Find answers to some commonly asked questions here.