Four Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Problems

The foot and ankle are complex parts of the body that consist of several bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. The foot and ankle are also made up of muscles, nerves, and soft tissue. There are 26 bones in each foot, along with 33 joints. There are three bones in each ankle.

Due to the complex anatomy of the foot and ankle, it's no wonder that this part of the body is prone to various problems. Common foot and ankle problems include fractures, sprains, chronic pain, abnormal growths, and other issues. The best way to prevent these foot and ankle problems is to know what causes them in the first place.

Here are four common causes of foot and ankle problems.

1. Improper Footwear

Wearing proper footwear goes a long way in preventing foot and ankle problems. However, wearing the right kind of shoes is just as important as wearing the right-size shoes. If you aren't wearing the right size, or your shoes aren't the right width, you will most likely end up with a variety of foot and ankle problems, which include neuropathy, pain, and ingrown toenails.

If you have bruised toenails, blisters, or callouses, there is a good chance your shoes aren't the right size or width. Before you purchase a pair of shoes, you should always try them on first. If you want to ensure your shoes are the right size, you can get your foot measured at a shoe store or by a podiatrist.

Besides wearing the wrong size, narrow-toed shoes, and high heels can also cause foot problems.

2. Injury

Foot and ankle injuries happen in a variety of ways. Some foot and ankle injuries occur while playing sports. Other injuries to the foot and ankle occur because of a fall, stepping wrong, or walking on uneven surfaces. People can also experience a foot and ankle injury in the event of a sudden impact, such as a car accident.

Not all foot and ankle injuries happen suddenly, though. Sometimes, a foot and ankle injury is the result of overuse or repetitive motion, which often results in a stress fracture.

3. Genetics

Genetics cause some people to be predisposed to certain foot and ankle problems. For example, sometimes the shape of the foot runs in families. The feet may be abnormally wide or narrow. Flat feet or feet with high arches also tend to run in families.

Other hereditary foot problems include:

• Hammertoes
• Corns
• Ingrown toenails
• Fungal infections

Bunions are another foot problem that is hereditary. In fact, according to one study,  89 percent of the people under the age of 60 inherited this foot problem.

4. Disease

Certain medical diseases can cause various foot and ankle problems. Diabetes is one such disease that is hard on the feet. High blood sugar levels injure nerves throughout the body, especially in the legs and feet, which results in diabetic neuropathy.

Other medical conditions that cause foot problems include:

• Bursitis. The fluid-filled sacs in the joints in the foot become inflamed due to repetitive motions.
• Osteomyelitis. An infection travels through the bloodstream and enters the bones of the foot and ankle.
• Raynaud's disease. The arteries that supply blood to the skin become narrow, which causes the toes to feel numb.

Since the foot and ankle contain many joints, various types of arthritis also cause problems. The types of arthritis that affect the foot and ankle include gout, osteoarthritis, reactive arthritis, and Rheumatoid arthritis.

If improper footwear, injury, genetics, or a certain medical condition has caused you to have foot and ankle problems, contact Upperline Health California.