Introduction
Ankle and foot pain is common among athletes, older adults, and people with high activity levels. X-rays often reveal degenerative changes, bony spurs, or structural abnormalities that explain stiffness, pain, or reduced mobility.
This guide explains common X-ray findings, what they mean, and non-surgical treatment options available in Singapore.
Common X-ray Findings
1. Joint Space Narrowing
What it means: The space between ankle or foot bones is reduced, often due to cartilage wear.
Implications: Leads to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
Treatment: Physiotherapy for strengthening and mobility, Regenerix Gold for cartilage support, HotHeal Therapy for pain relief, MRI for further evaluation.
2. Osteophytes (Bone Spurs)
What it means: Extra bony growths at joint margins.
Implications: Can limit motion and irritate soft tissue.
Symptoms: Pain during walking, stiffness, clicking or rubbing sensations.
Treatment: Shockwave therapy, HotHeal Therapy, physiotherapy, MRI if function is affected.
3. Plantar Calcaneal Spur
What it means: Bony projection on the heel bone.
Implications: Often associated with plantar fasciitis, causing heel pain.
Symptoms: Pain on first steps in the morning, tenderness at the heel.
Treatment: Shockwave therapy, physiotherapy for foot mechanics, HotHeal Therapy, orthotics, Regenerix Gold.
4. Hallux Valgus (Bunion)
What it means: Lateral deviation of the big toe.
Implications: Can cause joint pain, difficulty wearing shoes, and calluses.
Treatment: Physiotherapy for toe and foot muscles, orthotics, HotHeal Therapy, shockwave therapy for pain, MRI if severe.
5. Tarsal Coalition
What it means: Abnormal fusion of tarsal bones in the midfoot or hindfoot.
Implications: Reduced flexibility, recurrent ankle sprains, chronic pain.
Treatment: Physiotherapy for mobility and stability, orthotics, HotHeal Therapy, MRI for detailed assessment.
6. Osteochondral Lesions / Loose Bodies
What it means: Small fragments of cartilage or bone in ankle or foot joints.
Implications: Pain, catching, or swelling during movement.
Treatment: Physiotherapy for strengthening and range of motion, shockwave therapy, HotHeal Therapy, MRI for precise evaluation.
7. Achilles Tendinopathy Changes
What it means: Degenerative changes at the Achilles tendon insertion.
Implications: Pain during walking, running, or climbing stairs.
Treatment: Shockwave therapy, physiotherapy for tendon strength, HotHeal Therapy, Regenerix Gold for tendon support.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Physiotherapy (The Pain Relief Practice): Strengthens ankle and foot muscles, improves mobility, and restores gait mechanics.
Shockwave Therapy: Promotes healing of bone spurs, tendon degeneration, and plantar fasciitis.
HotHeal Therapy: Manual therapy plus radiofrequency improves circulation and tissue repair.
Regenerix Gold: Supports cartilage, tendon, and joint health for long-term protection.
MRI (Pain Relief Clinic): Provides high-resolution imaging of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bone when X-rays are insufficient.
When to Consider an MRI
Persistent ankle or foot pain despite physiotherapy and conservative care.
Pain, catching, or instability during walking or sports.
Suspected tendon tear, cartilage lesion, or tarsal coalition.
Pre-surgical planning if non-invasive care is not sufficient.
Key Takeaway
X-ray findings such as joint space narrowing, osteophytes, plantar calcaneal spur, hallux valgus, tarsal coalition, osteochondral lesions, and Achilles tendinopathy changes explain most ankle and foot pain.
Non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy, shockwave therapy, HotHeal Therapy, and Regenerix Gold can relieve pain, improve mobility, and reduce progression. MRI at The Pain Relief Clinic provides detailed imaging for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
