Ankle pain

Ankle pain is another condition that is exacerbated by an improper gait.  If you cannot lift the outside of the foot up toward your head there is a significant imbalance in the muscles of the inner and outer leg.  Eighty percent of ankle sprains are on the outside of the ankle.  This is caused by that inability to lift the outside of the foot and the inability to catch your balance on uneven ground.  There are seven bones in the ankle and these are gliding joints, meaning that the movement in the ankle is created by these small bones gliding against each other.  If the muscles on the outside of the ankle are tight the range of motion of the ankle is compromised and there can be pain, tension and reduced mobility in the ankle.  And it is mobility in the ankle which allows us to retain balance on uneven surfaces.

Foot Pain

There are a number of causes of foot pain, i.e. plantar fasciitis, neroma, bunions, and slight misalignment in the 19 small bones of the foot.  Wearing high heels can also cause a variety of foot, ankle and lowback problems.
Plantar Fasciitis is a common cause of foot pain.  This is caused by the thick tendon on the bottom of the foot contracting.  Pain in the foot upon arising with the feeling that you cannot flatten your foot normally is often the first sign of plantar fasciitis.  Wearing high heels, especially as you get older and wear them only on rare occasions can also be a contributing factor.