Ankle and Foot Pains
In Phoenix, AZ

Ankle pain can come from many sources, including sprains, tendon irritation, arthritis, nerve irritation, or simple overuse. Sometimes pain is triggered by footwear changes, increased activity, or underlying foot mechanics like flat feet or high arches. Less commonly, stress fractures or inflammatory conditions can also cause ankle pain. If your pain is persistent, worsening, or limiting your ability to walk normally, it’s worth getting evaluated.

It’s very possible to have ankle pain without noticeable swelling. Tendon irritation, joint irritation, nerve sensitivity, or referred pain from the calf, knee, or low back can all cause pain without puffiness. Early overuse injuries (including stress reactions) can also be painful before swelling appears. If the pain lasts more than a week or two or keeps coming back, an exam can help identify the true cause.

Most ankle pain improves with a short period of relative rest, avoiding the activity that flares it up while staying gently mobile. Supportive shoes or an ankle brace can reduce strain, and ice can help if the area feels hot or irritated after activity. Gentle mobility, strengthening, and balance exercises often speed recovery and help prevent recurrence. If pain is sharp, persistent, or keeps returning, it may need a more specific diagnosis and treatment plan.

Ankle pain may be more serious if you can’t bear weight, the ankle looks deformed, or you heard a “pop” followed by immediate severe pain. Redness, warmth, fever, significant bruising, numbness, or worsening tingling are also reasons to seek prompt care. Pain that persists beyond 1–2 weeks, keeps returning, or worsens at night should also be evaluated. When in doubt, it’s better to check it early so a small issue doesn’t become a bigger one.

Yes, gout can cause significant ankle pain, and it may come on suddenly, often with intense tenderness and sometimes warmth or redness. Flares are commonly triggered by dehydration, alcohol, certain foods, or changes in medication. Because gout can mimic other problems, a proper evaluation is helpful to confirm the cause and guide treatment. If you suspect gout, early care can shorten the flare and reduce recurrence.

Some of the most common foot issues include plantar fasciitis, bunions, Achilles tendon irritation, flat-foot–related tendon strain, Morton’s neuroma, stress fractures, and arthritis (especially in the big toe or midfoot). Many of these start gradually and worsen with prolonged walking or standing. The good news is that most respond well to early, targeted treatment. An accurate diagnosis helps you avoid guessing and speeds recovery.

Feet often become painful when the tissues are overloaded — from too much walking or standing, sudden increases in activity, or unsupportive footwear. Pain can also come from inflammation in the fascia, tendons, or joints, as well as nerve irritation that causes burning or tingling. Foot shape and mechanics can play a big role, especially if the arch collapses or the ankle lacks mobility. Identifying the source matters, because the best treatment depends on what structure is irritated.

Foot pain can sometimes be an early sign of an underlying medical issue, especially when it’s unexplained or comes with other symptoms. Conditions like gout, inflammatory arthritis, nerve-related problems (including diabetes-related neuropathy), or circulation issues can begin with pain in the feet. These concerns are more likely when pain is paired with numbness, burning, swelling, skin changes, or significant morning stiffness. Helping differentiate a local foot problem from a systemic issue is one reason an evaluation can be so valuable.

Foot pain is more concerning if you can’t bear weight, the foot is red and hot, there’s rapid swelling or significant bruising, or you have fever or feel unwell. Numbness, weakness, an open wound, or new pain if you have diabetes should be evaluated promptly. Pain that lasts more than 1–2 weeks, wakes you at night, or keeps returning also deserves attention. Early diagnosis can prevent compensation patterns and speed up recovery.