Understanding Foot and Ankle Pain: When to seek help from a podiatrist
Studies suggest that up to 87% of people report having painful feet at some time in their lives. Stiffness and foot and ankle pain are more common in older adults. Indeed the extremely complex structure of the feet and ankle region often makes things difficult for younger individuals, including students participating in college sports teams.
Whether it’s a basketball injury or the overuse injury of an individual with a flat foot, understanding the conditions and seeking immediate treatment is necessary. Timely treatment reduces the likelihood of chronic conditions and can save one from extensive treatment. If you are an athlete, an aged individual, or someone suffering from an aching foot and ankle region then continue reading. This post provides an in-depth discussion of painful foot and ankle conditions. We will also discuss the treatment options and find out when is the right time to opt for foot & ankle surgery.
What causes foot and ankle pain?
The human foot features intricate anatomy. It consists of 26 bones, 33 joints, and a network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The ankle and the foot joint are supported by multiple bones and several ligaments and tendons. This complexity makes the feet and ankles susceptible to a range of injuries and conditions that may cause pain. Let us discuss the key causes that are affecting your foot and ankle health.
- Sprains and strains: Overstretching or tearing of ligaments (sprains) and muscles or tendons (strains) due to sudden movements or overuse.
- Plantar fasciitis: The condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. It results in heel pain.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are degenerative conditions that often lead to foot and ankle pain.
- Achilles tendonitis: Tissues that connect the calf muscles to the heel bone get inflamed and cause pain.
- Bunions and Hammertoes: Structural deformities that can cause pain and discomfort in the feet.
- Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in bones are often caused by repetitive stress or overtraining.
- Nerve Compression: Conditions like Morton's neuroma, where nerves in the foot become compressed and painful.
When to seek help from a foot doctor?
It is highly recommended to seek timely treatment to prevent the conditions from worsening. Here are some signs, when seeking help from a podiatrist becomes essential for foot and ankle conditions.
- If foot and ankle pain persists for several days and no improvement is observed despite rest and home remedies, it's best to seek expert evaluation.
- If the affected foot and ankle are causing difficulty walking or putting weight then it is a cause for concern.
- Seek immediate treatment if you observe inflammation, swelling, and redness around the painful area.
- You might have nerve related problems that need immediate treatment. Check for sensations of numbness or tingling in the foot or ankle.
- Professional evaluation becomes essential for all noticeable changes in the foot's shape, such as swelling or deformities.
- Injuries causing pain need medical attention to rule out fractures or severe ligament damage.
What are the types of foot surgery?
A podiatrist conducts a comprehensive physical examination, gets a clear view of the bones and joints through imaging tests and suggests a personalized treatment plan. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Based on the cause of the foot and ankle pain, podiatrists might recommend either rest, immobilization, medication or surgical interventions.
Surgical options are often recommended when conservative treatments do not yield results. Usually, surgical interventions are considered suitable when foot and ankle pain is caused by injuries, deformities or chronic conditions. Below are the common types of foot surgeries:
- Bunionectomy: Bunions are removed by realigning the toe joint and removing the bony prominence.
- Hammertoe Correction: When toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, they can be straightened through surgery by releasing tight ligaments.
- Plantar Fascia Release: Inflammation of the plantar fascia can be treated through surgery. The procedure involves releasing tension in the plantar fascia.
- Ankle fracture surgery: This minimally invasive surgery is used for various ankle conditions, such as ankle fractures or stress fractures.
- Achilles Tendon Repair: Ruptured or partially torn Achilles tendon cause ankle weakness. It can be treated through surgical procedures.
- Metatarsal Surgery: This type of surgery addresses pinched nerves or stress fractures in the metatarsal bones.
- Ankle Fusion (Arthrodesis): Ankle fusion surgery is recommended for severe arthritis or instability.
- Ankle Replacement: Ankle replacement surgery is an end-stage option for individuals with ankle arthritis.
- Tendon Transfer: This surgery is performed to correct foot deformities.
- Osteotomy: This surgical procedure is recommended for flat feet or high arches.
How to prevent foot and ankle surgeries?
A significant aspect of podiatry services is promoting preventive foot care. Podiatrists can offer valuable advice such as:
- Foot-friendly footwear
- Exercises to maintain foot health
- Strategies to prevent future injuries.
- Proper foot hygiene
- Diabetic foot care
Conclusion
Foot and ankle pain can be debilitating and significantly impact one's quality of life. Understanding the signs that warrant a visit to a podiatrist is essential for timely intervention and effective treatment. Seeking help from a podiatrist ensures accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and preventive measures to promote overall foot and ankle health.
Your feet are your foundation, and caring for them with the help of a podiatrist can keep you stepping comfortably through life. Seek guidance from the highly experienced foot doctors at Orange County Foot and Ankle Group. The board-certified podiatrists at OCFA can perform various kinds of foot and ankle surgeries and offer you top-notch foot care guidance to improve your quality of life.