What causes sharp stabbing foot pain. How can you identify the underlying condition. What are the most effective treatments for alleviating foot pain. When should you seek medical attention for persistent foot discomfort.

Understanding the Anatomy of Foot Pain

The human foot is a complex structure comprising 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This intricate design allows for mobility and stability, but it also makes the foot susceptible to various types of pain and discomfort. Sharp stabbing foot pain can be particularly debilitating, affecting one’s ability to walk, stand, or perform daily activities.

To comprehend the nature of foot pain, it’s crucial to understand the foot’s anatomy. The foot is divided into three main sections:

• Forefoot: Contains the toes and metatarsal bones
• Midfoot: Comprises the arch of the foot
• Hindfoot: Includes the heel and ankle

Each section plays a vital role in foot function and can be the source of sharp, stabbing pain. Identifying the location of the pain can often provide clues about its underlying cause.

Common Causes of Sharp Stabbing Foot Pain

Sharp stabbing foot pain can stem from various conditions, ranging from minor injuries to chronic disorders. Some of the most frequent causes include:

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This condition often results in a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or the bottom of the foot, particularly when taking the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest.

Nerve Damage (Peripheral Neuropathy)

Nerve damage in the feet, also known as peripheral neuropathy, can cause sharp, stabbing pain, as well as burning or tingling sensations. This condition is particularly common in individuals with diabetes, as high blood sugar levels can damage nerves over time. Peripheral neuropathy can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.

Acute Injuries

Sudden injuries to the foot’s bones, muscles, tendons, or other tissues can result in sharp, stabbing pain. These injuries may occur during sports activities, accidents, or even everyday movements. Common acute foot injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, and contusions.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve, which runs along the inside of the ankle and foot, becomes compressed. This compression can lead to sharp, shooting pain along the nerve’s path, often accompanied by numbness or tingling sensations.

Posterior Tibialis Tendinopathy

This condition involves inflammation or tearing of the posterior tibialis tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the bones on the underside of the foot. It can cause sharp pain along the inside of the ankle and into the arch of the foot, particularly during activity or when standing.

Identifying Symptoms and Seeking Diagnosis

Accurately describing your symptoms to a healthcare professional is crucial for obtaining a correct diagnosis. When experiencing sharp stabbing foot pain, take note of the following:

• Location of the pain
• Intensity and duration of pain episodes
• Factors that trigger or alleviate the pain
• Associated symptoms (e.g., swelling, bruising, numbness)
• Impact on daily activities and mobility

During a medical consultation, your healthcare provider may perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and potentially order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to confirm a diagnosis.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Sharp Stabbing Foot Pain

Treatment for sharp stabbing foot pain varies depending on the underlying cause. However, several general approaches can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing:

Rest and Ice Therapy

Resting the affected foot and applying ice can help reduce inflammation and pain. Ice should be applied for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, with a thin cloth barrier between the ice and skin to prevent tissue damage.

Pain Management Medications

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications or corticosteroid injections for more severe pain.

Physical Therapy and Stretching Exercises

Targeted exercises and stretches can help strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility in the foot and ankle. A physical therapist can design a customized program to address your specific condition and promote healing.

Orthotic Devices and Supportive Footwear

Custom orthotic inserts or supportive shoes can help redistribute pressure on the foot, provide arch support, and alleviate pain. Night splints may be recommended for conditions like plantar fasciitis to maintain a stretched position of the plantar fascia during sleep.

Surgical Interventions

In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical options may be considered. The type of surgery depends on the underlying condition and may include procedures such as plantar fascia release, tarsal tunnel decompression, or tendon repair.

Preventing Sharp Stabbing Foot Pain

While not all causes of foot pain can be prevented, several strategies can help reduce the risk of developing painful foot conditions:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your feet
• Wear properly fitting shoes with adequate support
• Gradually increase the intensity and duration of physical activities
• Stretch and warm up before exercise
• Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces
• Practice good foot hygiene and inspect your feet regularly, especially if you have diabetes

When to Seek Medical Attention

While some instances of foot pain may resolve on their own with home care, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention. Seek professional help if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers
• Sudden onset of intense pain following an injury
• Visible deformity or swelling in the foot
• Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or fever
• Numbness or tingling that persists or worsens
• Pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep

Early intervention can prevent complications and lead to more effective treatment outcomes.

Living with Chronic Foot Pain: Coping Strategies and Lifestyle Adjustments

For individuals dealing with chronic foot pain, developing effective coping strategies and making lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve quality of life. Consider the following approaches:

Stress Management Techniques

Chronic pain can be emotionally taxing. Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help manage pain perception and improve overall well-being.

Activity Modification

Adapting your daily activities to minimize foot stress can help manage pain. This might involve using assistive devices, taking frequent breaks, or modifying your exercise routine to include low-impact activities like swimming or cycling.

Nutrition and Hydration

A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and proper hydration can support overall foot health and potentially reduce pain and inflammation. Consider incorporating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins C and E into your diet.

Support Groups and Counseling

Connecting with others who experience chronic foot pain can provide emotional support and practical advice. Professional counseling may also be beneficial in developing coping strategies and managing the psychological impact of chronic pain.

Alternative Therapies

Some individuals find relief through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or reflexology. While scientific evidence for these approaches may be limited, they can be considered as complementary treatments in consultation with your healthcare provider.

By implementing these strategies and working closely with healthcare professionals, individuals with chronic foot pain can often find ways to manage their symptoms effectively and maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle.

Advances in Foot Pain Treatment: Emerging Therapies and Technologies

The field of podiatry and foot care continues to evolve, with new treatments and technologies emerging to address sharp stabbing foot pain. Some promising developments include:

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)

ESWT uses high-energy shock waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. This non-invasive treatment has shown promise in treating conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy, particularly in cases resistant to conventional therapies.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own platelets into the affected area to promote healing. This treatment is being explored for various foot and ankle conditions, including tendon injuries and chronic plantar fasciitis.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

High-resolution ultrasound and advanced MRI technologies are improving the accuracy of foot pain diagnoses, allowing for more targeted and effective treatments.

3D-Printed Orthotics

Custom orthotics created using 3D printing technology offer precise fit and support, potentially providing better outcomes for patients with foot pain related to biomechanical issues.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques

Advancements in surgical techniques, such as endoscopic plantar fascia release and minimally invasive tendon repairs, are reducing recovery times and improving outcomes for patients requiring surgical intervention.

As research in these areas continues, patients with persistent foot pain may have access to an expanding range of treatment options. It’s important to discuss the latest available treatments with a qualified podiatrist or orthopedic specialist to determine the most appropriate approach for your specific condition.

In conclusion, sharp stabbing foot pain can significantly impact one’s quality of life, but with proper diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies, relief is possible. By understanding the potential causes, recognizing symptoms, and seeking timely medical attention, individuals can take proactive steps towards alleviating foot pain and maintaining optimal foot health. Remember that each case is unique, and working closely with healthcare professionals is key to developing an effective treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

What to Do About Stabbing Foot Pain

Feet are complex structures of bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, and more. You rely on your feet to carry you through the day, but if they hurt, this can impact your ability to function and enjoy life.

If you experience stabbing foot pain, you don’t have to live with it. David B. Glover, DPM, FACFAS, and our team at Mountain View Foot & Ankle Institute are equipped to diagnose and treat all types of foot issues. In this blog, Dr. Glover explains some of the common causes of stabbing foot pain.

Common causes of stabbing foot pain

Feet are complex, and any number of issues can trigger stabbing pain in one or both feet. A few of the most common causes of stabbing pain are plantar fasciitis, nerve damage, and acute injuries.

Plantar fasciitis

One of the top causes of stabbing foot pain is plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the fibrous tendon that connects your toes to the underside of your heel.

Plantar fasciitis pain is often described as stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot or heel. It’s generally worse when you take your first steps in the morning, or when you start walking after sitting for a long period of time.

Nerve damage

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage in the feet, legs, arms, and/or hands. Nerve damage in the feet is particularly common in people who have diabetes, because high blood sugar levels can damage nerves and circulation over time.

Nerve pain in the feet can feel like sharp, stabbing pain. Some people describe nerve pain as a burning or tingling sensation. Nerve pain can severely impact your mobility if the pain makes it unbearable to stand or walk.

Acute injury

A sudden injury that damages the bones, muscles, tendons, or other tissues in the foot can trigger stabbing foot pain, both at the time of the injury and afterward. Dr. Glover sees patients of all ages who have suffered sports injuries or other musculoskeletal injuries affecting the feet and ankles.

Treating stabbing foot pain

Don’t ignore stabbing foot pain. The only way to confirm what’s causing your foot pain is by visiting a podiatrist. At Mountain View Foot & Ankle Institute, we offer comprehensive evaluations to assess foot health.

If you’re experiencing stabbing foot pain, come to your appointment prepared to discuss your symptoms and your medical history. Do your best to describe how the pain feels and how long the bouts of pain last.

Tell Dr. Glover if you have other symptoms, such as:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Numbness or tingling
• Bleeding
• Decreased mobility in the foot or ankle

Dr. Glover will perform a physical exam of your foot, and he may order X-rays to confirm his diagnosis. Treatment for stabbing foot pain will focus on minimizing symptoms and healing the damaged muscles, tendons, or bones.

For example, treatment for plantar fasciitis generally includes a combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, and specialized stretches. Dr. Glover and our team will work with you to help you return to your daily life safely, and we may recommend custom orthotics, night splints, or other assistive devices to support and protect your feet.

If you have foot pain, we can help you get back on your feet. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Mountain View Foot & Ankle Institute today.

Sharp, Stabbing Foot Pain Symptoms, Causes & Common Questions

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space that lies on the inside of the ankle next to the ankle bones. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a compression, or squeezing, on an important nerve called the posterior tibial nerve. This compression produces symptoms anywhere along the path of the nerve running from the inside of the ankle into the foot.

You should visit your primary care physician who will coordinate your care with a muscle and bone specialist (orthopedic surgeon). Tarsal tunnel syndrome is treated with pain medication, corticosteroid injections, stretching, icing, physical therapy, and also special orthotic inserts for shoes.

Posterior tibialis tendinopathy

Posterior tibialis tendinopathy

The posterior tibialis tendon attaches the calf muscle to the bones on the underside of the foot. It provides stability and arch support. If this tendon is damaged, the result may be a flat, unstable foot.

Posterior tibialis tendinopathy is most often a sports injury, where the tendon becomes inflamed or torn through overuse or high impact.

Symptoms include pain down the ankle and into the foot, sometimes with swelling. The pain becomes worse with any activity, even standing or walking. When standing, the patient’s arch will be collapsed and flat and the front of the foot will point outward. The patient will be unable to stand on the injured foot and raise the heel.

Diagnosis is made through patient history, physical examination, and imaging such as x-ray, CT scan, or MRI.

Treatment involves rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, orthotics (shoe pads,) braces, and sometimes steroid injections into the damaged tendon. Surgery can be tried, but tends to be complex and cannot always restore the tendon completely.

Rarity: Ultra rare

Top Symptoms: swollen foot, pain in one foot, limping, pain in one ankle, spontaneous ankle pain

Symptoms that never occur with posterior tibialis tendinopathy: recent cutting accident

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. This is a common problem in runners, people who are overweight, and those who wear shoes with inadequate support. When the thick band of tissue (fascia) becomes inflamed, it can cause heel pain.

You can safely treat this condition on your own with over-the-counter pain killers (Advil, Motrin), as well as shoe inserts (orthotics) to help distribute pressure to the feet more evenly. If pain does not begin to subside, seek consultation with a physical therapist.

Jones fracture (broken foot)

A Jones Fracture is a fracture of a bone on the outside of the foot (called the fifth metatarsal). A Jones fracture can be either a stress fracture (a tiny hairline break that develops with time), or a sudden break due to trauma. This can result in pain, swelling, and tenderness on the outside of the foot.

You should visit your primary care physician or an urgent care today. Until then, the RICE method of care should be performed: rest (stay off the injured foot), ice (apply an ice pack to injured area), compression (an elastic wrap to control swelling), and elevation (raising the foot slightly above the level of the heart to reduce swelling). A doctor may perform a X-ray and put a cast or splint on the foot.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: difficulty walking, constant foot pain, pain in one foot, foot bruise, foot injury

Symptoms that always occur with jones fracture (broken foot): foot pain from an injury, pain when touching the foot, constant foot pain, pain in the front half of the foot, pain in the outside of the foot

Urgency: In-person visit

Frostnip of the lower limbs

Frostnip is damage of the outermost layers of the skin caused by exposure to the cold (at or below 32F or 0C). It is most commonly found in people doing leisurely activities like camping, hunting, or snow sports.

Those with suspected frostnip should have wet clothing removed. Rubbing affected areas worsens damage to the tissue. You should go to an urgent care. If rewarming can occur without chance of refreezing, it can be tried in the field. At urgent care, the doctors will guide you in gently re-warming the wounded area in 98-102F (37C-39C) water. Further, ibuprofen, antibiotics, and a tetanus shot may be necessary

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: foot pain, swollen foot, foot numbness, foot redness, limping

Symptoms that always occur with frostnip of the lower limbs: cold toe

Urgency: In-person visit

Foreign body in foot

A foreign body in foot occurs when something like a splinter, nail, or glass becomes lodged in the skin.

You should seek prompt care at an urgent care clinic. Gently clean the area with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage. Tetanus prophylaxis may be needed.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: foot pain, foot stepping on an object

Symptoms that always occur with foreign body in foot: foot pain, foot stepping on an object

Urgency: In-person visit

Foot sprain

The bones of the ankle and foot are held together by ligaments, which are bands of tough tissue. An ankle sprain is a type of injury where one or more of the ligaments is stretched too far, causing tiny fibers in the ligaments to tear. In most cases, the ligament does not tear completely. A sprain is caused by the ligaments being stretched too far or tearing. This can happen when the foot rolls rolls, twists or turns too much.

Chronic idiopathic peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy refers to the feeling of numbness, tingling, and pins-and-needles sensation in the feet. Idiopathic means the cause is not known, and chronic means the condition is ongoing without getting better or worse.

The condition is most often found in people over age 60. Idiopathic neuropathy has no known cause.

Symptoms include uncomfortable numbness and tingling in the feet; difficulty standing or walking due to pain and lack of normal sensitivity; and weakness and cramping in the muscles of the feet and ankles.

Peripheral neuropathy can greatly interfere with quality of life, so a medical provider should be seen in order to treat the symptoms and reduce the discomfort.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination; blood tests to rule out other conditions; and neurologic and muscle studies such as electromyography.

Treatment involves over-the-counter pain relievers; prescription pain relievers to manage more severe pain; physical therapy and safety measures to compensate for loss of sensation in the feet; and therapeutic footwear to help with balance and walking.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: distal numbness, muscle aches, joint stiffness, numbness on both sides of body, loss of muscle mass

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Charcot arthropathy of the foot

Charcot arthropathy of the foot is a syndrome where patients with numbness of their feet, which can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions such as diabetes, develop weakening of the bones in the foot and ankle. Thus they may have fractures and dislocations of the bones and joints that occur with little trauma.

You should visit your primary care physician who will likely coordinate care with a muscle and bone specialist (orthopedic surgeon). Treatment usually involves a protective split, walking brace, or cast.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: joint pain, constant foot swelling, pain in one foot, warm red foot swelling, swelling of both feet

Symptoms that always occur with charcot arthropathy of the foot: warm red foot swelling, constant foot swelling

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Pain in the legs (differential diagnosis)

An active medical practitioner, regardless of his specialty, quite often meets with patients complaining of pain in the legs . Of course, the surgeon, vascular surgeon or neurologist is most likely to hear these complaints. It is to them that our patients are accustomed to turning in such situations. Unfortunately, general practitioners often support this habit, treating leg pain as an almost obligate symptom pathology of the arteries or veins of the lower extremities ( obliterating atherosclerosis, varicose disease ) or articular pathology ( osteochondrosis, polyosteoarthrosis ). A natural consequence of this decision is the direction of the patient for help to fellow surgeons.

Meanwhile, surgical diseases play a far from leading role in the structure of the causes of pain in the lower extremities. Moreover, statistics show that in most cases pain in the lower extremities is caused by some internal diseases or initiated by clinical situations that are within the competence of therapeutic specialists.

As a result, it is the patient who suffers, first of all, who undergoes unnecessary examinations, moves from office to office, from one doctor to another, and even makes sometimes (very difficult for many, especially older people) “journeys” through city clinics in search of truth , which he could already find within the walls of his district clinic with a therapist well known to him (neurologist, etc. ). In an unfavorable way, this also affects the patient’s attitude towards doctors who participated in establishing the diagnosis in such an irrational way.

Of course, the situation needs to be corrected, and the solution is directly related to the cardinal improvement in the quality of differential diagnosis of pain in the legs during the initial presentation of the patient with this complaint. In fact, it is the therapist who is most often the first doctor to whom the patient presents his problem, even when making an appointment for a completely different reason. The opinion that is often found among practicing physicians about the difficulty of recognizing a pain syndrome is actually unfounded. A specialist of any profile can very quickly assess the situation and make a preliminary diagnosis only on the basis of the clinical picture and anamnesis, not always resorting to instrumental examination methods. To make a final diagnosis, consultations of narrow specialists and additional research methods are already needed.

Quite often, pain in the legs is a manifestation of diseases of the arteries or veins of the lower extremities, but often they are caused by diseases of the spine, nervous system and metabolism. It can occur with diseases of the bones and joints, muscles and tendons, lymph nodes and blood vessels.

Legs hurt in different ways: feet, shins, knees, hip joints… And the data of an objective examination, anamnesis of the disease and symptoms of the pain syndrome in most cases allow us to determine the further tactics of examination and treatment of the patient. Below are the possible causes leading to the occurrence of pain, depending on the place of its manifestation.

Pain in the hip joint is often poorly differentiated, aggravated by exertion (eg, standing, walking), but may radiate along the anterior and lateral surfaces of the thigh, to the anterior part of the knee, to the buttocks. Pain in the hip joint can occur from a variety of local and distant causes. Sacroiliac pain is often diffuse, felt by the patient deep in the buttock, radiating down the back of the leg. Damage to the intervertebral discs with involvement of the L1-2 roots causes pain in the groin, which is aggravated by symptoms of tension (walking, coughing, sneezing). Pain and local tenderness are determined with trochanteric bursitis with irradiation down along the lateral surface of the thigh. With ischio-buttock bursitis, pain is localized behind the joint. With neuropathy (eg, compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve), pain or weakness may occur in one or both legs. This can appear with rapid or massive obesity, diabetes, as well as alcohol and smoking abuse. The main cause of compression of the lumbar or sacral roots is the extrusion (herniation) of the intervertebral disc. Disk protrusion into the wide spinal canal can cause back pain, limitation of movement, protective muscle spasm due to tension of the posterior longitudinal ligament and irritation of the dura mater; there are no radicular signs in such a situation. Pain associated with compression of the lumbosacral roots by a herniated disc is heterogeneous. The “classic” picture of compression radiculopathy is the occurrence of shooting, piercing, less often – burning pain and paresthesias (“crawling”, tingling), combined with a decrease in sensitivity (hypalgesia) in the zone of innervation of the affected root.

Fig. 1. MRI picture of LV-SI disc herniation.

In addition to sensory disorders, development of weakness in the so-called “indicator” muscles, predominantly innervated by the affected root, as well as a decrease (loss) of the corresponding reflex is characteristic. Characteristic sensory, motor and reflex disorders in the most common variants of compression radiculopathy of the lumbosacral roots are shown in Figure 2. In addition, with radicular compression, there is often an increase in pain with an increase in intra-abdominal pressure (when coughing, sneezing, laughing), in an upright position and reduction in the horizontal position.

Fig.2 . Characteristic sensory, motor, reflex disorders during compression of the LIV, LV, SI roots (according to H.A. Keim, Kirkaldy-Willis. Les lombalgies / Ciba pharmaceutical company. Rueil-Malmaison, 1980. with changes).

Pain in the knee joint area rarely radiates and their localization is associated with the affected area (for example, in front with damage to the femoro-patellar joint, or in front and medially, or in front and laterally with damage, respectively, of the medial or lateral parts of the joint) . In the region of the anterior surface of the knee (dermatomes L2-3), “reflected” pain may occur if the hip joint or root L3 is affected. Such pain has a number of features. It is rarely clearly localized, is not always aggravated by walking, but may be aggravated by coughing, and is often associated with pain above the knee. Local causes of pain in the knee joint include enthesopathy of the muscles of the popliteal fossa and gastrocnemius muscles, lymphadenopathy and aneurysm of the popliteal artery.

Pain in the lower leg and calf muscles. Most often, these pains occur when the arteries are blocked or narrowed. If the pain arising in the calf muscles forces you to stop after a certain distance, and after rest it disappears (intermittent claudication) – this is probably a disease of the arteries of the lower extremities . If the pain in the legs increases with movement, increased load, but the patient can walk, and stopping does not lead to the cessation of pain, then this may be due to lumbosacral osteochondrosis with infringement of the nerve roots or diseases of the joints. Bursting pain in the lower leg is often associated with deep vein thrombosis and is often accompanied by dense edema. Soreness in the muscles of the lower leg is characteristic when the foot is bent and when the muscles are felt. There is also a pronounced arching pain at lymphedema ( lymphedema ) especially in advanced stages. If arching pain in the lower leg is accompanied by high fever and hyperemia (redness) of the skin, as well as fever and chills, then in this case it is necessary to exclude erysipelas or phlegmon (Fig. 3). If the pain is accompanied by redness and swelling, painful seals along the veins, this may be thrombophlebitis. Spasms in the calf muscles at night and swelling of the legs and feet are clinical manifestations of chronic venous insufficiency.

Pain in the foot has a clear localization and does not radiate. Pain in the metatarsophalangeal joints is located above the heads of the metatarsal bones and is usually aggravated by standing and walking. When the posterior tibial nerve is pinched, there is a burning sensation, numbness, and tingling in the distal sole and toes. Symmetrical lesions of the small joints of the feet are characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis.

Involvement of the intertarsal joints leads to pain in the midfoot, which appears or worsens with prolonged standing and walking without resting on the toe. When the ankle joint is affected, pain occurs in the back of the foot along the line connecting both ankles. The pain is aggravated by standing or walking. With diabetic neuropathy, patients complain of paresthesia, feeling of chilliness, burning, sharp, stabbing pains in the feet. Local pain and tenderness in the heel occur as a result of “calcaneal spurs”, tendinitis and bursitis of the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon, bursitis of the subcutaneous heel bag.

Fig 4. Heel spur.

Based on the main causes of pain in the legs described above, the polyclinic therapist can establish a preliminary diagnosis during the initial visit, and then refer the patient to a consultation with a narrow specialist to confirm or exclude his diagnosis.

To make a clinical diagnosis, narrow specialists (neurologists, surgeons, etc.) perform additional examination methods (general clinical examinations, instrumental diagnostics). Different disciplines have their own “gold standard” of research methods. For example, for a vascular surgeon to diagnose obliterating atherosclerosis, the list of these studies includes: rheovasography of the arteries of the lower extremities, duplex scanning of the arteries of the lower extremities, after which, depending on the severity of the disease, a decision is made on the most effective method of treating the patient, whether it is conservative therapy or surgical treatment . A correctly established diagnosis and well-chosen treatment will allow the patient to get rid of the pain that bothers him, and not go in search of the cause of his disease from one doctor to another in search of the truth.

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If the legs are aching below the knees, then the doctor conducts a differential diagnosis, during which he specifies what exactly caused the discomfort: changes in the vessels, nerves, ligaments, joints or bones. The treatment program depends on the results of the diagnosis.

CMRT specialist tells

Kuchenkov A.V.

Orthopedist • Traumatologist • Surgeon • Phlebologist • Sports doctor • 24 years of experience

Publication date: September 25, 2021

Review date: February 02, 2023

All facts have been verified by a physician.

Contents of the article

Causes of pain in the legs below the knees

Types of pain

First aid for pain in the legs below the knees

Which doctor to contact

Charin Yury Konstantinovich

Orthopedist • Traumatologist • Vertebrologist
experience 34 years

Dikhnich Oleg Anatolyevich

Orthopedist • Traumatologist
experience 31 years

Gaiduk Alexander Alexandrovich

Orthopedist • Physical therapy doctor • Physiotherapist
experience 30 years

Bodan Stanislav Mikhailovich

Orthopedist • Traumatologist
experience 27 years

Kuchenkov Alexander Viktorovich

Orthopedist • Traumatologist • Surgeon • Phlebologist • Sports doctor
experience 24 years

Samarin Oleg Vladimirovich

Orthopedist • Traumatologist • Vertebrologist
experience 24 years

Tkachenko Maxim Viktorovich

Orthopedist • Traumatologist
experience 20 years

Bulatsky Sergey Olegovich

Orthopedist • Traumatologist
experience 16 years

Pivkovsky Dmitry Igorevich

Orthopedist • Traumatologist
experience 12 years

Stepanov Vladimir Vladimirovich

Orthopedist • Traumatologist • Vertebrologist
experience 10 years

Teleev Marat Sultanbekovich

Orthopedist • Traumatologist • Sports doctor
experience 10 years

Shtanko Vladislav Anatolyevich

Orthopedist • Traumatologist
experience 9 years

Atamuradov Toyli Atamuradovich

Orthopedist • Sports doctor • Surgeon
experience 8 years

Akhmedov Kazali Muradovich

Orthopedist • Traumatologist
experience 6 years

Orazmyradov Khalnazar Ataballyevich

Orthopedist • Traumatologist
experience 5 years

Sattorov Abboskhon Nodirovich

Orthopedist • Traumatologist
experience 4 years

Diagnostic methods

How to treat pain in the legs below the knees

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation treatment is a necessary stage of complex therapy. Without it, there is a risk of recurrence of the disease, its transition to a chronic form, and a decrease in the quality of life.

Rehabilitation treatment is carried out in the rehabilitation center “Laboratory of Movement”.

Consequences

Prevention

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