Experiencing Pain or Mobility Problems? It May Be Time to Contact a Foot and Ankle Doctor Near You
Think about what you do during a typical day. Walking, driving a car, grocery shopping – what do they all have in common?
Your feet and ankles are involved in each activity. When you have pain or mobility issues, it can make the most basic task feel like a major hurdle.
Like most medical conditions, the earlier you get a diagnosis and treatment, the better the chances your physician can manage your symptoms and prevent further complications. Foot and ankle issues are no different.
Let’s review some of the most common conditions our foot and ankle specialists at Mid-America Orthopedics treat.
Common Foot and Ankle Conditions and Their Symptoms
The human foot is complex, consisting of 26 bones, 33 joints, and hundreds of ligaments, tendons, and muscles all working together to support your daily mobility and function. However, the foot is also delicate. Even a small fracture or minor tear can cause pain..
Our foot and ankle doctors have decades of combined experience diagnosing and treating numerous conditions that affect quality of life.
Arthritis
Arthritis in the foot and ankle occurs when cartilage wears down, causing pain, inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the joints. This condition makes walking and other common activities painful and difficult, especially as the condition progresses.
Foot and ankle doctors treat arthritis with:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Corticosteroids and injection therapy.
- Physical therapy.
- Activity modification.
- Orthopedic surgery.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing misalignment in the joint. Because bunions change the shape of your foot, they can make wearing shoes extremely uncomfortable, causing pain, swelling, and redness.
Foot and ankle specialists treat bunions with:
- Activity modification, such as changing shoes.
- Bunion pads, cushions, and shoe inserts.
- Cortisone injections.
- Orthopedic surgery.
Bursitis
Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles in the joint. When these sacs develop in the feet, they typically occur in the heel or the base of the big toe, resulting in pain, swelling, tenderness, and limited movement.
Foot and ankle doctors near you treat bursitis with:
- Antibiotics, for suspected septic bursitis.
- Physical therapy.
- Corticosteroid injections.
- Assistive devices, such as a walking cane.
- Orthopedic surgery.
Hammer Toe
Hammer toe is a deformity where one or more toes abnormally bend due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments. The toe’s abnormal bending makes it difficult to wear shoes, resulting in pain and discomfort.
Foot and ankle specialists treat hammer toe with:
- Activity modification, including footwear changes.
- Cushioning pads and tape.
- NSAID medications.
- Toe exercises and physical therapy.
- Orthopedic surgery.
Foot and Ankle Tendonitis
Tendons are strong cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Tendonitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the tendon, typically from overuse or repetitive strain. This condition causes pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially with movement.
Foot and ankle doctors treat tendonitis with:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE method).
- Anti-inflammatory medications and treatments.
- Physical therapy.
- Immobilization of the foot and ankle.
- Orthopedic surgery.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is characterized by sharp pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, typically caused by overuse, poorly fitting footwear, or a foot deformity. Without treatment, this condition makes walking and running painful.
Foot and ankle specialists treat metatarsalgia with:
- Rest and ice.
- Changes in footwear.
- Supportive insoles.
- Stretching and physical therapy.
- Orthopedic surgery.
Foot and Ankle Fractures
A fracture is a broken bone. They typically occur through repetitive use, trauma, falls, sports-related injuries, and low bone density. A foot fracture causes pain, swelling, tenderness, deformity, mobility issues, and difficulty bearing weight. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the fracture.
Common fracture treatments include:
- The RICE method.
- Immobilization using a cast, splint, or walking boot.
- Physical therapy.
- Orthopedic surgery.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed. Common symptoms include pain and discomfort in the heel, which is especially severe first thing in the morning or after long periods of inactivity.
Foot and ankle doctors treat plantar fasciitis with:
- Pain relieving, anti-inflammatory medications.
- Physical therapy.
- Specialized splints.
- A walking boot, crutches, and assistive devices.
- Steroid injection therapy.
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy.
- Orthopedic surgery.
Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled noncancerous lumps that develop near joints or tendons. These lumps can cause discomfort, pain, and reduced mobility, especially if the cyst is pressing on a nerve.
Foot and ankle doctors treat ganglion cysts with:
- Pain relieving, anti-inflammatory medications.
- Aspiration, a process that drains the cyst’s fluid.
- Cyst removal surgery.
Diabetic Foot Conditions
People with diabetes are at higher risk of complications related to poor circulation and nerve damage in the feet. These complications can cause the development of sores, blisters, ulcers, and infections. Unmanaged diabetes can cause serious medical issues, including gangrene and Charcot foot, the latter of which can result in irreparable joint damage and permanent foot function loss.
Foot and ankle specialists help manage diabetic foot conditions with:
- Wound care.
- Antibiotics.
- Immobilization.
- Activity modification, including physical therapy and dietary changes.
- Orthopedic surgery, including amputation.
Early Foot and Ankle Treatment Matters
Many foot and ankle conditions worsen over time when left untreated. Today’s minor pain or mobility challenges can quickly escalate to chronic pain, complete lack of mobility, or permanent damage. Avoiding the worst-case scenario is simple: seek treatment during the earliest stages.
Contacting our foot and ankle doctors near you at the first sign of discomfort ensures that you receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Early medical intervention also reduces the risk of requiring surgery.
Your feet and ankles are the foundation of your mobility. If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or limited movement, contact the experienced physicians at Mid-America Orthopedics right away at (316) 630-9300.