For Healthcare Professionals Where to Buy Find out about foot and ankle pain Foot and ankle pain is very common, probably because of all the use our feet get. Here we take a look at the most common causes and how to treat foot and ankle pain. TREAT YOUR PAIN Symptoms of ankle and foot pain Pain may be felt from the toes of the foot to the heels, or in the ankle joint. Swelling, pain and stiffness can occur if the ankle joint is sprained or the joints in the toes become injured. Damage to the foot can cause bruising and redness, which may be painful when pressure is applied. Swelling and pain can make it hard to move the ankle joint freely or put weight on the foot. How foot and ankle pain can affect you Most people have experienced foot and ankle pain, making it painful to carry out everyday activities like walking the dog, climbing upstairs, running for the bus and playing sports. DID YOU KNOW? 46% of people with pain, feel pain in their ankles.* 59% of people with pain, feel pain in their feet.* TREAT YOUR PAIN Why do we experience foot and ankle pain? Foot and ankle pain can be caused by overuse injuries and sprains, as well as fractures or broken bones. Plantar fasciitis, caused by damage to the band of tissue that runs under the sole, can cause heel pain. You can also experience foot pain if you wear tight, high-heeled or ill-fitting shoes, while sport injuries can also cause foot or ankle pain. If you have pain in your heel, it could be an Achilles tendon injury Stiffness and pain along the back of your heel could be a sign of damage to your Achilles tendon. This is caused by repetitive or intense strain of the tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. The Achilles tendon is used when you walk, run, jump or stand on tip toe, so this injury often occurs after you have been playing sports. Sprains and ankle pain Sprains are a common cause of ankle pain. They occur when ligaments are stretched, twisted or torn, resulting in a swollen ankle that hurts when you put weight on it. Expert treatment Because we use our feet and ankles every day to get around, when they are painful it can be quite unbearable. Often, home remedies can help alleviate pain, such as: applying ice to reduce swelling, keeping your foot elevated and using over-the-counter pain medication to reduce pain and inflammation. However, if you have severe pain, swelling, or an open wound, you should see a doctor. It is also important to see a professional if you’re unable to put weight on your foot, making it difficult to walk, have burning pain, numbness, or are diabetic. Your doctor may perform a physical examination and suggest light exercises as well as order imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI. Ankle ABC This simple range of motion stretch helps to maintain flexibility and mobility in the ankle joint You should feel this stretch at the top of your foot and in your ankle Sit down, making sure that your feet don’t touch the ground Leading with your big toe, use your foot to write each letter of the alphabet in the air Repeat with your other ankle Keep movements small, using just your foot and ankle Do this exercise twice a day Explore our range Find out how our products can help Discover the Voltarol product range to find the right product to treat your pain. FIND OUT MORE Learn more Exercise and your body Learn more about the benefits of exercise and how keeping fit can help you to stay healthy and relieve pain. What is pain? Understand why our bodies experience the sensation of pain and the many causes of body pain. Learn about your body and how it changes as you age Find out how your body works, changes you may experience as you get older, and how to deal with age-related body pain. *GSK Global Pain Index Research 2014 Report. Available: www.global-pain-index.com. Last accessed 20th April 2016. Privacy Policy Terms of Use Cookie Policy Site Map Contact Us Voltarol Back and Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel, Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief 1.16% Gel (for non-serious arthritic conditions), Voltarol Joint Pain Relief 2.32% Gel and Voltarol 12 Hour Joint Pain Relief 2.32% Gel contain diclofenac diethylammonium, and can be used for muscular / joint pain relief. Do not use on children under 14 years. Always read the label. Voltarol 140 mg Medicated Plaster for relief of pain and inflammation contains diclofenac sodium. Always read the label. Do not use on children under 16 years. ©2021 GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare This website is intended for United Kingdom residents only. 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