When Should You See a Podiatrist in Phoenix?
January 8, 2026
Causes and Treatments of Pain on Side of Foot Near Ankle
January 29, 2026
Ankle pain when flexing feet is common, and it can affect walking, exercise, and daily movement. This pain often appears when pulling the foot upward or pointing it downward. The ankle joint, tendons, ligaments, and nerves all work together during foot flexion, so even minor irritation can cause discomfort. Understanding why pain in ankle happens when flexing feet up and down can help you know when rest is enough and when professional foot care in Phoenix is needed.
Causes of Ankle Pain When Flexing Feet
In Phoenix, ankle pain when flexing feet is usually caused by strain, inflammation, or injury to the structures around the ankle.
- Overuse or repetitive motion (Repeated walking, running, or jumping puts stress on ankle tendons, causing pain during flexion)
- Muscle tightness (Tight calf muscles pull on the ankle joint, increasing pain when flexing the foot)
- Previous ankle injury (Old sprains can leave scar tissue or weakness that causes pain with movement)
- Poor footwear (Shoes without proper support increase strain during foot motion)
- Sudden activity increase (Rapid changes in exercise overload ankle tissues and trigger pain)
Issues That Cause Ankle Pain When Flexing Feet Up or Down
Several medical conditions are commonly linked to pain in ankle when flexing feet up and down.
| Condition | How it causes pain |
| Ankle tendonitis | Inflamed tendons create pain when the foot moves up or down. |
| Anterior ankle impingement | Soft tissue or bone pinching causes pain during upward foot flexion. |
| Posterior ankle impingement | Compression at the back of the ankle leads to pain when pointing the foot downward. |
| Ankle sprain | Ligament damage results in pain, stiffness, and discomfort with movement. |
| Arthritis | Joint inflammation causes aching, stiffness, and limited motion during foot flexion. |
Treatment Options for Ankle Pain With Foot Flexion
Foot doctors diagnose ankle pain when flexing feet through a physical exam, movement testing, gait analysis, and imaging when needed. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring motion, and preventing future injury.
Custom Orthotics
They are prescription shoe inserts designed to control foot motion and improve alignment. By correcting abnormal movement patterns, they reduce stress on the ankle during flexion and help distribute pressure more evenly. This support improves comfort while walking and can prevent ankle pain from returning.
Physical Therapy
PT uses guided exercises to strengthen the ankle, foot, and lower leg muscles. Treatment often includes range-of-motion exercises, balance training, and calf stretching performed several times per week. These exercises improve flexibility, restore stability, and help patients move without pain.
Immobilization
It involves using a brace or walking boot to limit ankle movement for a short period of time. This protection reduces strain on injured tendons or ligaments and allows healing to occur without repeated stress. It is often used for moderate to severe ankle pain when flexing feet in Phoenix.
Anti-Inflammatory Care
This type of care targets swelling and irritation within the ankle joint and surrounding tendons. This may include oral medications or targeted treatments recommended by a podiatrist. Reducing inflammation helps relieve pain and allows damaged tissues to heal properly.
Shockwave Therapy
This therapy is non-invasive and delivers sound waves to the injured area. These waves increase blood flow and stimulate the body’s natural healing response. It is commonly used for chronic ankle pain that has not improved with rest, medication, or physical therapy.
Get relief before ankle pain limits your movement. At Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers, our expert podiatrists provide personalized treatment to help you move comfortably again. Schedule your visit today.
When to See a Podiatrist for Pain in Ankle When Flexing Foot
Early diagnosis helps prevent chronic ankle problems. So, you should see a foot doctor in Phoenix if:
- Ankle pain when flexing feet lasts more than a few days
- Pain worsens with walking or activity
- Swelling, stiffness, or weakness develops
- Pain started after an injury or fall
- Home care does not improve symptoms
Home Care and Prevention Tips
- Rest the ankle for several days and avoid high-impact activities to allow irritated tissues to heal.
- Apply ice for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times per day, to reduce swelling and pain.
- Perform gentle calf and ankle stretches daily, holding each stretch for 20–30 seconds.
- Wear supportive shoes with good arch support and a firm heel counter to improve ankle stability.
- Modify activities by reducing running, jumping, or uneven surfaces until pain improves.
Professional Foot Care for Ankle Pain When Flexing Feet
At Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers, we provide comprehensive treatment for ankle pain when flexing feet. We are focusing on accurate diagnosis, targeted care, and long-term relief. Our treatment plans are tailored to the cause of your pain and your daily activity level.
Care is led by Dr. Payam Sarraf, DPM, a board-trained podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon. Dr. Sarraf was named a 2024 PHOENIX Magazine Top Doctor and specializes in ankle injuries, tendon conditions, biomechanics, and advanced foot and ankle treatment. He sees patients at our offices in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and Phoenix, Arizona.
To schedule your visit, call 480-812-3668. Our practice is proud to have a 4.9 Google rating from patient reviews, with convenient locations throughout Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and Phoenix, AZ, for expert care close to home.
FAQs
Can a physical therapist help with my ankle pain when I flex my foot up?
Yes, physical therapy can improve strength, flexibility, and movement patterns to reduce pain.
What does ankle tendonitis feel like?
It often feels like aching, stiffness, or sharp pain that worsens with movement.
How do I know if my ankle pain is serious?
Persistent pain, swelling, weakness, or difficulty walking are signs to seek care.
Why can flexing the foot make ankle pain worse?
Flexing puts tension on tendons and joints, which increases pain if they are inflamed or injured.
