Dr Grant Menegon
Dr Grant Menegon is a Queensland trained Orthopaedic Surgeon consulting at St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital …
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 that may be considered by your healthcare team.
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 weight bearing
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
Bunions
Bunions (hallux valgus) are one of the most common structural foot conditions.
A bunion develops when the joint at the base of the big toe gradually shifts out of alignment, creating a visible bump on the side of the foot. Bunions can cause pain, difficulty with footwear and changes in walking patterns.
Risk factors
- Family history
- Flat feet
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Previous foot injuries
- Tight or narrow footwear
Common symptoms include:
- A prominent bump beside the big toe
- Foot pain
- Swelling or inflammation
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
- Changes in foot shape
Diagnosis process
Your healthcare professional may diagnose a bunion through physical examination and, where required, imaging such as an X-ray.
Treatment options
Many people manage bunions successfully without surgery.
Options may include:
- Wider, more supportive footwear
- Orthotics or shoe inserts
- Toe spacers or bunion pads
- Taping or strapping
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Ice or heat therapy
- Weight management strategies
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
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Your patient journey: from referral to recovery
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Foot and ankle pain FAQs
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