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Foot and Ankle

Slide

Foot and Ankle

Pain in the foot and ankle

Nerves run from the brain all the way to the tips of our toes. These nerves travel great distances to control the movement of our feet and toes as well as provide sensation or feeling to this area.
Because these peripheral nerves must travel such a great distance there are multiple opportunities for these nerves to be injured or compressed. Injured nerves can result in chronic pain, a tingling feeling, or loss of sensation (inability to feel hot, cold, touch, pain, etc.).
Read below to learn more about the nerves in the feet and ankles and how these nerves can be damaged.

Pain on the top of the foot

Pain on the top of the foot can often be cause by the deep and superficial peroneal (also known as fibular) nerve. These nerves have both motor (movement) and sensory (feeling) components that impact the movement and feeling in the foot. The deep and superficial peroneal nerves runs from the lower leg through the foot.

Click on the foot to learn more about these nerves, potential ways they can be injured, and how to find care.

Pain on the bottom of the foot

Nerves that run through your foot can cause pain or discomfort. Swelling or thickening of the tissue between the third and fourth toe can compress or irritate the interdigital nerve in the foot. Creating what is known as a Morton’s Neuroma. 

Click on the foot to learn more about each nerve, potential injuries, and how to find treatment.

Pain in the ankle

Similar to the carpal tunnel in the wrist, the tarsal tunnel in the ankle is a tight region (or tunnel) that nerves must pass through. This tunnel can create compression of the posterior tibial nerve.

Click on the foot to learn more about this nerve, potential injuries, and how to find treatment.

PAGE CONTRIBUTORS

PAGE CONTRIBUTORS

Moore-headshot

Shari Moore, DPM

Podiatrist
Allina Health
Minnesota
KD

Kent DiNucci, DPM

Podiatrist
Ankle and Foot Clinic
Nebraska

Powers

Kevin Powers, DPM

Podiatrist
The Center for Lower Extremity Nerve Surgery
Indiana

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