Foot and ankle pain—whether from a sudden injury or an ongoing chronic issue—can disrupt your daily life, from walking and exercising to simply relaxing. A podiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause and provide personalized treatment to help relieve pain, restore function, and get you moving comfortably again.
"Foot and ankle pain is never something you should have to just live with," says Daniel T. Halloran, DPM, FACFAS, Podiatry at ARC Cedar Park Building B and ARC Medical Park Tower Orthopedics in Austin. "We can help you understand what's causing it and create a plan to relieve your pain and prevent further injury."
While some discomfort may go away on its own, ongoing or worsening pain shouldn't be ignored.
Common causes of foot and ankle pain
Foot and ankle pain can stem from a wide range of causes, whether it's a result of a sudden injury or a chronic condition that develops over time. Understanding where the pain is located can help identify the source and guide effective treatment.
- Top of the foot: Pain on the top of the foot can come from extensor tendonitis, which happens when tendons get irritated from tight shoes or overuse. Fractures and midfoot arthritis are also common causes, especially after an injury. A neuroma, or pinched nerve, can also lead to sharp pain or tingling.
- Bottom of the foot: The bottom of the foot, especially the arch or heel, is often painful due to plantar fasciitis, a condition caused by irritated tissue in the arch. Other possible causes include heel spurs—bony growths on the heel—and metatarsalgia, which causes pain in the ball of the foot.
- Sides of the foot: Pain on the side of the foot, especially the lateral (outer) side, may be caused by peroneal tendonitis. The inside of the foot may hurt due to bunions, which are bony bumps near the big toe. These conditions can lead to swelling, soreness, and trouble with activities like walking.
- Toes: Problems with the toes like hammer toe, mallet toe, or ingrown toenails can cause deformity, pressure, and pain. These issues are often made worse by tight or ill-fitting shoes.
- Joints: Foot and toe joints can develop arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which lead to stiffness and swelling. Gout, a condition caused by a buildup of uric acid, often starts in the big toe and can cause sudden, intense pain.
- Ankle: Ankle pain is commonly caused by sprains, Achilles tendonitis, or even a tendon rupture. Anterior ankle impingement, often from overuse in sports, can lead to pain at the front of the ankle during movement.
"If you're having foot pain, a podiatrist can help," says Dr. Halloran. "Treatment might include rest, better shoes, stretching, medication, or even surgery in some cases. Don't ignore the symptoms of aching feet or sharp pain—get help to feel better and get back to doing the things you enjoy."
If surgery is warranted, Dr. Halloran is a highly skilled specialist who not only provides expert adult and pediatric podiatry care but also focuses on advanced foot and ankle surgery. As a Board Certified surgeon with the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery, he is uniquely qualified to handle even the most complex conditions. Whether you're dealing with a recent injury or a chronic condition, Dr. Halloran offers care ranging from conservative treatments to advanced surgical care to ensure you receive comprehensive, individualized treatment.
About Dr. Halloran
Dr. Halloran specializes in foot and ankle surgery as well as adult and pediatric podiatry care. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery.
Make an appointment today
Dr. Halloran sees patients ages four and older. Schedule an appointment online with Dr. Halloran, through ARC MyChart, or by calling:
- ARC Cedar Park Building B at 512-259-3467
- ARC Medical Park Tower Orthopedics at 512-454-4561