MusculoskeletalRadiology
MusculoskeletalRadiology
MusculoskeletalRadiology

About the Interactive of Foot & Ankle

Have foot pain or ankle pain? Click on one of the pictures below and point to the area of the foot or ankle where it hurts. Click to see some of the conditions that cause foot symptoms in that area.

Medial Ankle Pain

Click on an area of the ankle for a list of some symptoms that may produce pain in that area.

Click to see some of the conditions that cause symptoms in that area

Achilles Tendon Rupture / Insertional achilles Tendonitis Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord present behind the ankle that connects the calf muscles to heel bone. When the Achilles tendon becomes thin, weak, or if it is not used, it may be susceptible to injury or damage.Read more

Achilles Tendonitis The Achilles tendon is one of the longer tendons in the human body which stretches from the heel bone to the calf muscles. Achilles tendonitis may be caused by a sudden increase in activity which overstrains the tendon, tight calf muscles, and bony overgrowths.Read more

Ankle Fracture Ankle fracture is a painful condition where there is a break in one or more bones forming the ankle joint. The ankle joint is stabilized by different ligaments and other soft tissues, which may also be injured during an ankle fracture.Read more

Heel Pain The heel is a cushion of fat tissue at the back part of the human foot that protects the structure of muscles, ligaments and the heel bone (calcaneous). Heel pain is a common foot condition, seen in one out of 10 people with at least one episode in their life time.Read more

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Tarsal tunnel syndrome refers to a condition where the posterior tibial nerve that lies within the tarsal tunnel is compressed. The condition occurs when the tibial nerve is pinched.Read more

Talar Fracture The talus is a small bone at the ankle joint that connects the heel bone and the two bones of the lower leg, enabling the up and down movement of the foot. Fractures in the talus bone may occur due to a fall from great heights, motor vehicle accidents or twisting of the ankle.Read more

Ankle Impingement Ankle impingement is the painful limitation of movement of the ankle due to an abnormality in the soft tissue or bone.Read more
Click to see some of the conditions that cause symptoms in that area

Ankle Sprain An ankle sprain is a common injury and occurs when you fall or suddenly twist the ankle joint or when you land your foot in an awkward position after a jump.Read more

Fifth Metatarsal Fracture The fifth metatarsal is the long bone that is located on the outside of the foot and connects to the small toe.Read more

Peroneal Tendonitis Peroneal tendonitis refers to the inflammation of the peroneal tendons. The common cause of peroneal tendonitis is overuse injury, a direct blow or sudden stress to the tendons, and playing sports that involve repetitive ankle motions.Read more

Ankle Instability Ankle instability is a chronic condition characterized by a recurrent slipping of the outer side of the ankle. It usually results from repeated ankle sprains.Read more
Click to see some of the conditions that cause symptoms in that area

Compartment Syndrome Compartment syndrome, also called chronic compartment syndrome, is a condition that causes pain or cramps in the legs during exercise.Read more

Ankle Impingement Ankle impingement is the painful limitation of movement of the ankle due to an abnormality in the soft tissue or bone.Read more
Click to see some of the conditions that cause symptoms in that area

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Tarsal tunnel syndrome refers to a condition where the posterior tibial nerve that lies within the tarsal tunnel is compressed.Read more

Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia becomes inflamed from overstretching or overuse, causing pain in the heel and bottom of the foot.Read more

Halgund’s Syndrome / Severs Disease Halgund’s deformity is a condition in which a bony enlargement is formed in the heel. The soft tissues present at the back of your heel become irritated due to the rubbing of the extra bony growth.Read more

Medial Foot Pain

Click on an area of the foot for a list of some symptoms that may produce pain in that area.

Click to see some of the conditions that cause symptoms in that area

Heel Pain The heel is a cushion of fat tissue at the back part of the human foot that protects the structure of muscles, ligaments and the heel bone (calcaneous).Read more

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Tarsal tunnel syndrome refers to a condition where the posterior tibial nerve that lies within the tarsal tunnel is compressed. The condition occurs when the tibial nerve is pinched.Read more

Sever's Disease Sever’s disease is a painful inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. Sever’s disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, is a condition that affects growing adolescents, causing swelling and pain at the back of the heel.Read more

Achilles Tendon Rupture Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord present behind the ankle that connects the calf muscles to heel bone. When the Achilles tendon becomes thin, weak, or if it is not used, it may be susceptible to injury or damage.Read more
Click to see some of the conditions that cause symptoms in that area

Lisfranc Fracture Lisfranc fractures may occur as a result of a blow, forceful twisting motions, dropping something heavy on the foot and is more common in runners, military personnel, football players and horseback riders.Read more

Metatarsal Fracture The fifth metatarsal is the long bone that is located on the outside of the foot and connects to the small toe. There are two types of fractures that often occur in the fifth metatarsal, avulsion fracture and Jones fracture.Read more

Navicular Fracture Navicular fractures are rare and include mostly stress fractures that occur with sports activities, such as running and gymnastics, as a result of repeated loading on the foot.Read more
Click to see some of the conditions that cause symptoms in that area

Bunion A bunion is a bony protuberance that appears on the external surface of the big toe when it angles toward the adjacent toe. It is an extra bone and a fluid-filled sac that grows at the base of the big toe.Read more

Morton's Neuroma Morton's neuroma refers to a nerve injury between the toes, usually the third and fourth toes, which causes pain and thickening of the nerve tissue.Read more

Forefoot Fractures The forefoot is the front of the foot that includes the toes. Fractures occurring in this part of the foot are painful but very often not disabling.Read more

Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia becomes inflamed from overstretching or overuse, causing pain in the heel and bottom of the foot.Read more

Sesamoiditis Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the sesamoid bone and the associated tendons. It is commonly seen in ballet dancers, sprinters and basketball players.Read more

Flat Foot Flatfoot, also known as fallen arches or pesplanus, is a deformity in which the arch that runs along the sole of the foot is not formed (in children) or collapses to the ground (in adults due to various foot problems).Read more
Click to see some of the conditions that cause symptoms in that area

Gout Gout is a very common, painful form of arthritis which causes swelling, redness and stiffness of the joints.Read more

Bunions A bunion is a bony protuberance that appears on the external surface of the big toe when it angles toward the adjacent toe.Read more

Hammer Toe A hammertoe is a deformity of a lesser toe (second through fifth toes), where the toe gets bent upward at the toe’s middle joint, resembling a hammer.Read more

Ingrown Toe Nail Ingrown toenail is a very common and painful condition of the toe. It occurs when the sides or corner of the nail grow inwards and penetrates into the skin of the toe.Read more

Claw Toe Claw toe is a deformity, where a toe bends and appears like a bird’s claw. The affected toe is bent upward from the joint at the ball of foot, and downward at the joints in the middle and tip of the toe to curl under the foot.Read more

Turf Toe Turf toe is an injury to the ligament at the base of the big toe. It is a painful condition which usually results from jamming of the toe into the ground or excessive backward bending of the toe.Read more

Toe Fracture The forefoot is the front of the foot that includes the toes. Fractures occurring in this part of the foot are painful but very often not disabling.Read more

Possible Diagnosis

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Ankle Fracture

Achilles Tendonitis

Heel Pain

Insertional Achilles Tendonitis

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Fifth Metatarsal Fracture

Peroneal Tendonitis

Ankle Impingement

Compartment Syndrome

Insertional achilles tendon

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Sever’s Disease

Achilles tendon rupture

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord present behind the ankle that connects the calf muscles to heel bone. When the Achilles tendon becomes thin, weak, or if it is not used, it may be susceptible to injury or damage.

Symptoms:

Severe pain, swelling, stiffness
A popping or snapping sound

Ankle Fracture

Ankle fracture is a painful condition where there is a break in one or more bones forming the ankle joint. The ankle joint is stabilized by different ligaments and other soft tissues, which may also be injured during an ankle fracture.

Symptoms:

Swelling and Pain
Impaired mobility
Hemarthrosis
Ankle deformity in severe cases

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is one of the longer tendons in the human body which stretches from the heel bone to the calf muscles. Achilles tendonitis may be caused by a sudden increase in activity which overstrains the tendon, tight calf muscles, and bony overgrowths.

Symptoms:

Swelling and bruising
Mild or severe pain
Stiffness
Loss of strength
Decreased movements of the ankle
Muscle weakness or tenderness
Difficulty in walking or standing

Heel Pain

The heel is a cushion of fat tissue at the back part of the human foot that protects the structure of muscles, ligaments and the heel bone (calcaneous). Heel pain is a common foot condition, seen in one out of 10 people with at least one episode in their life time.

Symptoms:

Chronic Pain
Sharp or stabbing pain in the heel

Insertional Achilles Tendonitis

Insertional Achilles tendinitis is the degeneration of the fibres of the Achilles tendon directly at its insertion into the heel bone. This condition is commonly seen in people between the ages of 40-50 years.

Symptoms:

Pain
Tenderness at the back of the heel
Swelling

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome refers to a condition where the posterior tibial nerve that lies within the tarsal tunnel is compressed. The condition occurs when the tibial nerve is pinched.

Symptoms:

Numbness
Pain
Burning sensation

Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain is a common injury and occurs when you fall or suddenly twist the ankle joint or when you land your foot in an awkward position after a jump.

Symptoms:

Swelling
Tenderness
Numbness of toes
Bruising
Inability to walk
Inability to bear weight on the ankle

Ankle Instability

Ankle instability is a chronic condition characterized by a recurrent slipping of the outer side of the ankle. It usually results from repeated ankle sprains.

Symptoms:

Pain
Swelling at the ankle
Persistent Discomfort
Frequent instability of the ankle during sports or walking

Fifth Metatarsal Fracture

The fifth metatarsal is the long bone that is located on the outside of the foot and connects to the small toe. There are two types of fractures that often occur in the fifth metatarsal, avulsion fracture and Jones fracture.

Symptoms:

Pain
Swelling
Tenderness
Bruising on the outer side
Difficulty in walking

Peroneal Tendonitis

Peroneal tendonitis refers to the inflammation of the peroneal tendons. The common cause of peroneal tendonitis is overuse injury, a direct blow or sudden stress to the tendons, and playing sports that involve repetitive ankle motions.

Symptoms:

Pain
Swelling
Tenderness and redness
Warmth on the outer part of the ankle
Popping sound on movement of ankle

Ankle Impingement

Ankle impingement is the painful limitation of movement of the ankle due to an abnormality in the soft tissue or bone. Ankle impingement is seen in athletes whose actions involve repeated upward bending of the ankle.

Symptoms:

Swelling
Pain which increases with movement
Clicking sensation on movement of the foot

Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome, also called chronic compartment syndrome, is a condition that causes pain or cramps in the legs during exercise. This pain usually lessens on stopping the activity. It most often occurs in the front compartment of the lower leg.

Symptoms:

Deep pain in the leg
Numbness
Swelling
Bruising
Tightness in the leg

Talar Fracture

The talus is a small bone at the ankle joint that connects the heel bone and the two bones of the lower leg, enabling the up and down movement of the foot.

Symptoms:

Severe pain
Inability to walk
Tenderness
Swelling

Haglund’s Deformity

Halgund’s deformity is a condition in which a bony enlargement is formed in the heel. The soft tissues present at the back of your heel become irritated due to the rubbing of the extra bony growth.

Symptoms:

Pain in the region where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel
A bump at the back of the heel
Redness of the inflamed tissue
Swelling in the heel

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia becomes inflamed from overstretching or overuse, causing pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It can occur in one or both feet due to excessive standing and is one of the most common orthopedic complaints, especially in active men between 40 and 70 years of age.

Symptoms:

In the morning when you step out of bed
Walking after sitting or standing for some time
Climbing stairs
After exercise

Severs Disease

Sever’s disease is a painful inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. Sever’s disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, is a condition that affects growing adolescents, causing swelling and pain at the back of the heel.

Symptoms:

Pain in one or both heels, usually at the back
Difficulty walking, walking with a limp or walking on tiptoes
Heel may appear red, swollen and warm
Pain when heel is squeezed on both sides
Symptoms improve with rest and worsen with activity

Lisfranc Fracture

Lisfranc fractures may occur as a result of a blow, forceful twisting motions, dropping something heavy on the foot and is more common in runners, military personnel, football players and horseback riders.

Symptoms:

Pain
Swelling in the midfoot area
Bruising on the undersurface of the foot
Inability to bear weight

Navicular Fracture

Navicular fractures are rare and include mostly stress fractures that occur with sports activities, such as running and gymnastics, as a result of repeated loading on the foot.

Symptoms:

Pain
Bruising
Tenderness
Swelling
Deformity
Inability to bear weight

Bunion

A bunion is a bony protuberance that appears on the external surface of the big toe when it angles toward the adjacent toe. It is an extra bone and a fluid-filled sac that grows at the base of the big toe.

Symptoms:

Swelling
Pain and tenderness around the big toe
Turning of big toe towards the adjacent toe
Change in the shape of the foot
A bony mass at the joint surface of the big toe
Pain and discomfort while walking
Restricted movements of big toe

Morton’s neuroma

Morton’s neuroma refers to a nerve injury between the toes, usually the third and fourth toes, which causes pain and thickening of the nerve tissue. Compression or chronic irritation of this interdigital nerve is the main cause of Morton’s Neuroma.

Symptoms:

Burning pain in the ball of the foot (may also radiate to the toes)
Numbness in the affected toes
Inability to walk

Forefoot fractures

The forefoot is the front of the foot that includes the toes. Fractures occurring in this part of the foot are painful but very often not disabling. There are 2 types of fractures namely, traumatic fracture and stress fracture.

Symptoms:

Pain
Bruising
Swelling
Inability to walk

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the sesamoid bone and the associated tendons. It is commonly seen in ballet dancers, sprinters and basketball players. It is an overuse injury caused by an increased pressure over the sesamoid bones resulting in a chronic inflammation.

Symptoms:

Chronic or acute pain
Swelling
Bruising

Flat foot

Flatfoot, also known as fallen arches or pesplanus, is a deformity in which the arch that runs along the sole of the foot is not formed (in children) or collapses to the ground (in adults due to various foot problems). Flatfoot can be rigid or flexible.

Symptoms:

Inside arch of the foot is flattened
Inside arch of the foot is flattened
Inner aspect of the foot may appear bowed out
Pain in the foot, leg, knee, hip or lower back
Pain in the heels causing difficultly with walking/running
Discomfort with wearing shoes
Tired, achy feet with prolonged standing or walking

Gout

Gout is a very common, painful form of arthritis which causes swelling, redness and stiffness of the joints. Gout is caused by increased levels of uric acid in the tissues and blood from abnormal metabolism.

Symptoms:

Warmth and redness
Swollen joint
Pain and tenderness of the big toe
Formation of uric acid crystals called tophi

Hammer toe

A hammertoe is a deformity of a lesser toe (second through fifth toes), where the toe gets bent upward at the toe’s middle joint, resembling a hammer. The bent portion may rub against a shoe causing pain, irritation and development of corns.

Symptoms:

Toe bent downwards
Corns and callus formation
Difficulty in walking
Inability to flex or wiggle your toes
Claw toe

Ingrown toe nail

Ingrown toenail is a very common and painful condition of the toe. It occurs when the sides or corner of the nail grow inwards and penetrates into the skin of the toe. Pain is often accompanied by swelling and redness.

Symptoms:

Pain
Tenderness in the toes
Reddening around the toenail
Swelling
Tissue infection

Claw toe

Claw toe is a deformity, where a toe bends and appears like a bird’s claw. The affected toe is bent upward from the joint at the ball of foot, and downward at the joints in the middle and tip of the toe to curl under the foot.

Symptoms:

Appearance of corns
Bent toe
Pain
Difficulty in walking

Turf toe

Turf toe is an injury to the ligament at the base of the big toe. It is a painful condition which usually results from jamming of the toe into the ground or excessive backward bending of the toe.