Common foot and ankle conditions include a variety of injuries, deformities, and chronic diseases that affect the lower extremities. Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament, causing heel pain, especially in the morning. Achilles tendinitis involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, often due to overuse or repetitive stress, resulting in pain and stiffness in the back of the heel.

Ankle sprains are another frequent condition, occurring when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn, usually due to sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle. Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe, leading to pain and deformity. Other common conditions include flat feet, where the arches of the feet collapse, causing pain and gait abnormalities, and fractures, which involve breaks in the bones of the foot or ankle. Treatment for these conditions varies from conservative measures, such as rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy, to surgical interventions for more severe cases.

Common gait abnormalities include conditions that affect the way a person walks, leading to inefficiencies and potential pain or injury. One such abnormality is pronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively during walking or running. This can cause uneven weight distribution and lead to issues like flat feet, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis. Conversely, supination involves the foot rolling outward excessively, putting extra stress on the outer edge of the foot and increasing the risk of ankle sprains and stress fractures.

Another common gait abnormality is the antalgic gait, which occurs when a person alters their walking pattern to avoid pain, usually due to an injury or arthritis. This can lead to uneven wear and tear on the joints and muscles, causing further complications. Other abnormalities include the high-stepping gait, where individuals lift their knees excessively high due to weak muscles or nerve damage, and the shuffling gait, often seen in neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease. Identifying and addressing these gait abnormalities through physical therapy, orthotic devices, or corrective surgery can significantly improve mobility and reduce discomfort.