Blog

Common Causes of Ankle Pain

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Ankle pain can develop for several reasons, involving the bones, ligaments, tendons, or muscles that support the joint. The ankle connects the leg bones to the foot and allows movement while keeping the body stable. A common cause of ankle pain is a sprain. This injury occurs when ligaments, the strong bands that hold bones together, are stretched or torn, often after a sudden twist. Tendinitis refers to irritation of a tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone, and may cause pain, stiffness and swelling. Arthritis, a condition that leads to joint inflammation, can also cause long-term ankle discomfort and reduced motion. Additionally, repetitive stress from walking, running, or standing for long periods of time may worsen symptoms. A podiatrist can examine the ankle, order imaging, and evaluate gait to determine the cause. Treatment options include bracing or custom orthotic devices to improve support and reduce strain. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
Ankle sprains
Broken ankles
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Plantar fasciitis develops when the thick tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated, leading to heel pain and stiffness. Treatment of plantar fasciitis is aimed at reducing strain on this tissue and restoring normal foot function. A podiatrist can examine foot structure and movement to identify such causes as tight calf muscles or poor alignment. Custom orthotics, which are medical-grade shoe inserts, may be prescribed by a podiatrist to support the arch and reduce pressure on the heel. Anti-inflammatory medication can help decrease swelling and discomfort. In more persistent cases, certain injections may be used to calm inflammation. Immobilization with a walking boot can give the tissue time to heal by limiting stress on the foot. Imaging tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. Early care can improve mobility and prevent chronic pain. If you are experiencing heel pain from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Excessive running
Having high arches in your feet
Other foot issues such as flat feet
Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
Maintain a healthy weight
If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown Toenail Facts

Tuesday, 07 April 2026

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain and inflammation. This condition is often caused by improper nail trimming, toe injuries, genetic factors, or repetitive foot stress from activities like running or wearing tight shoes. Risk factors include curved nails, poor foot hygiene, and excessive pressure on the toes. Symptoms include pain along the nail edge, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection with drainage. Without proper care, an ingrown toenail can worsen and make walking uncomfortable. A podiatrist can safely treat ingrown toenails by relieving pressure, removing the affected portion of the nail, and preventing recurrence through proper care techniques. If you have symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

Improper toenail trimming
Genetics
Improper shoe fitting
Injury from pedicures or nail picking
Abnormal gait
Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Wednesday, 01 April 2026

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

When a Stubbed Toe Is More Than a Bump

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

A serious stubbed toe can cause more than brief pain especially when the impact is forceful or awkward. Common causes include running into furniture, sports injuries, or falls. Symptoms may involve sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the toe. The toe may look red, crooked, or enlarged and it can feel tender or unstable when walking. A podiatrist can help by starting with a careful examination and imaging such as X-rays to determine whether the injury is a sprain or a fracture. Early treatment may include protection taping or immobilization, followed by gradual return to activity. More severe injuries may require specialized care to ensure proper healing and alignment. Ignoring symptoms can delay recovery and increase long-term joint stiffness. If you have a serious stubbed toe that could be broken or sprained, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

Trauma
Sports injury
Wearing shoes that are too tight
Arthritis
Gout
Corns and calluses
Hammertoe
Bunions
Blisters
Ingrown toenails
Sprains
Fractures (broken bones)
Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

Severe pain
Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
Signs of infection
Continued swelling
Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blog

Blog Archives