The painful symptoms experienced by foot and ankle patients may result from a number of issues, including both traumatic injuries and degenerative joint conditions.
Many degenerative diseases may affect the feet and ankles; of these, arthritis is the most common. There are numerous types of arthritis that may be responsible for painful, chronic symptoms; prominent varieties include osteoarthritis (associated with the wear and tear processes of aging), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition), and posttraumatic arthritis.
Traumatic injuries are themselves frequently the source of foot and ankle symptoms. These may include ligament sprains, muscle or tendon strains, and bone fractures. Such injuries often occur suddenly during sports or high-impact activity, but can also develop gradually due to repetitive stress and overuse.
