How to Find a Foot and Ankle Specialist Near You Who Provides Comprehensive Care
Foot and ankle conditions are one of the most common areas affected by orthopedic issues. In fact, the National Library of Medicine reports that the prevalence of foot and ankle conditions are second only to the knee.
Due to the nature of competitive sports, athletes are at the highest risk of incurring a foot or ankle injury. Running, pivoting, jumping, sudden changes in direction, and other motions that place force on the foot and ankle make them susceptible to injury.
As an experienced team of orthopedic physicians and foot and ankle specialists, Mid-America Orthopedics has decades of combined experience treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. To provide some additional insight, we will break down the three most common foot and ankle conditions that we treat. Then, we will provide some useful information on how to contact a foot and ankle doctor in Wichita to schedule an examination.
#1 – Acute and Chronic Pain
Pain is typically the main reason why patients make their initial appointment with our physicians. However, the foot and ankle conditions associated with pain are broad. Foot and ankle pain can be caused by something as simple as running in shoes that offer poor support or taking an awkward step and landing wrong on your heel.
In these cases, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist so that they can examine the affected area. They may even order imaging to see if your joint, ligaments, or tendons are inflamed or torn.
#2 – Strained and Sprained Ankles
Strains and sprains are two of the most common injuries that we treat, especially among athletes and those who participate in recreational sports and fitness. Those who have incurred a strain or sprain typically experience immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced mobility.
In many cases, at-home treatments such as ice, over-the-counter pain medications, extended rest, compression, and elevation allow the injury to heal on its own. However, some cases are more severe than others. If you’re experiencing numbness or can’t move or bear weight on the affected joint, make an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist for treatment.
#3 – Arthritis
Older individuals are at a higher risk of developing arthritis, which is an umbrella term used to categorize more than 100 different types of diseases. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis that affects the foot and ankle area. Informally known as “wear and tear arthritis,” this degenerative joint disease can affect several areas of the foot or ankle, including:
- The joint where the shin bone and ankle connect.
- The joint connecting the foot bone and big toe.
- The three joints involving the outer mid-foot bone, inner mid-foot bone, and heel bone.
Those who are afflicted with osteoarthritis will slowly lose cartilage inside the foot and ankle region over time, resulting in pain and discomfort from bones rubbing against each other without cushion. Eventually, osteoarthritis may lead to reduced function or loss of function in the affected joint.
Other varieties of arthritis include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease in which the patient’s immune system attacks the joint.
- Gout: A condition that occurs in the big toe due to a buildup of uric acid, resulting in extreme pain and inflammation.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: A condition that causes pain and stiffness in the affected joint as a result of an injury.
- Psoriatic arthritis: A form of arthritis found mostly in people who have psoriasis. It causes joints to become stiff, swollen, and painful.
How to Schedule an Appointment with a Foot and Ankle Doctor in Wichita
These foot and ankle conditions are some of the most common that we treat at Mid-America Orthopedics; however, our physicians and foot and ankle specialists also have experience with:
- Bunions
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Achilles tendonitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Sports injuries
- Infections
- Ganglion cysts
- Stress fractures
If you suspect that you have a foot or ankle condition, the best course of action is to schedule an appointment to receive an examination. During your appointment, your foot and ankle specialist will collect some medical background information, examine the affected area, and possibly order imaging to get a closer look at your bones, tendons, and ligaments.
After making a diagnosis, your physician will create an individualized treatment plan intended to reduce your symptoms and bring you back to full health.
Contact our scheduling department today by calling (316) 630-9300. Mid-America Orthopedics can typically offer same-day or next-day appointments to patients. You can also reach out to us using the contact form on our website.