Is Your Foot Pain Actually Coming from Your Ankle? How We Can Tell

Foot pain is something almost everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Even though it’s common, pinpointing its origin isn’t always easy.

Although foot pain can certainly begin with foot problems, what seems like a foot issue at first may actually originate higher up. Your ankle plays a crucial role in supporting body weight, absorbing shock, and enabling movement — so even subtle dysfunction can affect how your feet feel and perform.

Our team at Ross Medical Group specializes in diagnosing and treating ankle and foot pain in Miami, Florida. We have the expertise to look beyond the surface and work to understand what’s causing your symptoms, so you get back to comfortable movement. Here’s how.

How ankle problems can cause foot pain

Your ankle is a complex hinge joint that connects the tibia and fibula bones in your leg to the talus bone in your foot. The bones are held together with ligaments and tendons, and all these parts work together to give motion to your foot.

When something goes wrong with your ankle joint — whether it’s due to injury, overuse, or biomechanical imbalance — it can create a ripple effect that radiates downward into your foot. Common ankle-related issues that can cause foot pain include:

Ankle instability

Ankle instability is a common result of previous sprains or ligament injuries. It can alter your gait and put uneven pressure on your foot, especially along the outer edge or arch.

Tendonitis

Inflammation in the tendons that cross your ankle joint, like the peroneal or posterior tibial tendons, can lead to aching, burning, or sharp pain in both your ankle and the surrounding areas of your foot.

Arthritis

Degenerative joint disease in your ankle can cause referred pain in your midfoot or heel, even if the foot itself looks normal.

Impingement or nerve entrapment

When nerves that pass through your ankle joint become compressed or irritated, pain may radiate into your foot, causing symptoms such as tingling or numbness.

These are just a few possible ankle-related issues that cause foot pain. Every case is different, and without an accurate diagnosis, these problems can be mistaken for plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, or other common foot conditions, which may delay proper treatment.

How we diagnose the true source of foot pain

Finding effective relief from your foot pain starts with seeking an accurate diagnosis. At Ross Medical Group, our diagnostic approach begins with your detailed health history and a physical exam.

We evaluate your range of motion, strength, stability, and alignment across both your ankle and foot. If needed, we may order imaging like X-rays or advanced scans to look for joint damage, inflammation, or structural issues that aren’t visible from the outside.

Signs that your foot pain may be ankle-related

No two diagnoses are identical, but some clues might mean your ankle could be at the root of your foot pain. We may look for things like:

Pain that worsens with ankle motion
A history of ankle injury or frequent sprains
Swelling or stiffness in the ankle joint
Feeling of weakness or instability when walking
Pain that shifts or spreads between the ankle and foot

We review the results of your exam and any additional imaging or testing to make our diagnosis. And once we understand the root cause, we tailor your treatment plan accordingly.

Whether it’s physical therapy to strengthen your ankle, bracing for joint support, medication to reduce inflammation, or regenerative options, we’ll guide your care with precision and compassion.

Foot pain isn’t always easy to diagnose, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. At Ross Medical Group, we’re here to help you figure out what’s going on and develop a plan that helps you move better, feel better, and stay active.