Get back in the running
The foot has 26 bones and 33 joints. Like the hand, the number of bones in your feet makes up one-fourth of all the bones in your body. The bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles of the foot have a big job to do — they support our entire body and aid in proper posture and alignment.
The ankle joint is formed by the connection of three bones: the talus, or ankle bone, and the tibia and fibula, which are the lower leg bones. It’s a hinge joint, but its unique construction also allows it to swivel and turn smoothly. When we walk, the ankle bears one and a half times our weight. When we run, it bears eight times our weight. This strong, dependable joint can be seriously strained if these pressures are applied when the foot or leg is twisted, causing the ankle to be injured.
Diagnosing and treating foot and ankle pain
A number of conditions or injuries can cause pain in the foot and ankle. The first step in diagnosing your pain is to see one of our specialists. Your initial appointment will usually be with one of our orthopedic surgeons or sports medicine doctors. The doctor will complete a full evaluation of your symptoms and recent activities. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans may be necessary.
Finding the reason for your pain will help determine your treatment, as well as which providers will be part of your care team. Common foot and ankle problems include:
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Arthritis
- Bunions
- Bursitis
- Complex fractures
- Clubfoot
- Diabetes-related foot problems and wounds
- Fractures
- Foot deformities
- Hammer toe, claw toe and other toe conditions
- Plantar fasciitis
- Sprains
- Stress fractures
- Neuromas
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Traumatic fractures
- Tendonitis
Ankle joint replacement
When damaged surfaces or severe arthritis take over the ankle, moving can be painful or impossible. If physical therapy and other treatments don’t eliminate ankle pain, then ankle replacement surgery may be an option for you.
As with other types of joint replacement surgery, ankle replacement takes out a joint that has been damaged or deformed by injury or illness and replaces it with an artificial joint. These specially designed medical devices are typically made of ceramic, plastic or metal, and function exactly as your normal joints. Ankle replacement can relieve pain from arthritis, improve motion at the joint and reduce stress in adjacent joints.
Find care
Browse our clinics across the Pacific Northwest and leading specialists in orthopedics and sports medicine.