Article At A Glance
- Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain and is often treated with rest, ice, and stretching.
- Ankle sprains happen when ligaments are overstretched and might need physical therapy if not treated early.
- Achilles tendinitis affects the back of the heel, especially in athletes, and may require special care.
- Arthritis in the foot and ankle can cause severe pain but can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.
Are you dealing with foot and ankle pain and need reliable treatment? At Orthopedic Specialists, S.C., our team of experts can help you understand the common causes of your pain, providing you with a sense of relief and reassurance. Our practice can determine the best course of treatment and teach you the best practices for prevention so you can live the active and productive life you enjoy.
Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain, but what is it? The plantar fascia is a thick strip of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. When you flex your toes upward, you stretch the ligament.
When you have plantar fasciitis, this band of flesh becomes inflamed. You’ll feel a stabbing pain in your heel, especially when you remain sedentary for long periods. As you move around, the foot and ankle pain should lessen.
Fasciitis Foot Pain Causes
Repeated stretching and tearing causes plantar fasciitis. You’re at greater risk if you qualify as obese, are between the ages of 40 and 60, have flat feet, or if you work a job where you stand in one place most of the day. Certain exercises, such as long-distance running, also put you at greater risk.
Fasciitis Treatment
How can an orthopedic specialist treat the condition? You should seek treatment if the pain lasts more than two weeks, and your provider will suggest any of the following methods:
- Ice and rest
- Certain stretches
- Avoiding certain activities
- Physical therapy
- Night splints
- Orthotics
- Steroid injections
- Ultrasonic repair
- Surgery (in rare cases)
Ankle Sprains: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Recovery
If you experience a sprained ankle, you’ll likely seek foot and ankle injury treatment so you can get back to your full daily routine. You’ve likely sprained your ankle before, but did you know it results from tearing or stretching the tissue that holds your ankle bones together? The causes include falling, exercising on an uneven surface, or sports injuries.
You may feel the following symptoms when you have a sprained ankle:
- Pain when you put weight on the foot
- Tenderness to the touch
- Swelling and bruising
- Reduced range of motion
- Increased instability
Sprained Foot and Ankle Injury Treatment
You should seek treatment for this foot and ankle pain if you see severe swelling that doesn’t improve after a few days of ice and rest. If conservative home treatments don’t work, your provider will suggest physical therapy. In extreme cases, you may require surgery.
Managing Achilles Tendinitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Your Achilles tendon runs from the back of your heel to your calf muscle. Tendinitis occurs when your Achilles becomes inflamed, usually due to overuse. If you’re a runner who has increased their intensity or a middle-aged person who plays sports, you have a higher risk of developing this condition.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:
- Mild pain that grows worse with use
- Stiffness and tenderness in the morning
- Pain that radiates from your heal into your calf
Achilles Tendon Repair Options
You should seek Achilles tendon repair if the pain lasts more than two weeks or immediately if the pain feels extreme. Most people can heal with ice, rest, and pain management. In more severe cases, the doctor may prescribe a walking boot or orthotics, and may even resort to surgical intervention.
Arthritis: Types, Symptoms, and Effective Management Techniques
Arthritis occurs when the bones in your joints experience wear and tear and begin rubbing. It can lead to severe foot and ankle pain, especially in people over the age of 50. Old age remains the most common cause, but certain conditions like gout or viral infections can trigger it.
You can develop different kinds of arthritis, like post-viral or post-trauma variations. However rheumatoid and osteoarthritis remain the most common types. Symptoms of arthritis in your foot and ankle include:
- Joint pain
- Reduced motion
- Swelling and discoloration
- Tenderness to touch and a feeling of radiating heat
Managing Arthritis
Arthritis doesn’t have a cure, but a doctor can help you manage the pain. Over-the-counter medications provide the first line of defense, followed by steroid injections. The doctor will only suggest surgery if the pain significantly hinders your daily activities.
Additional Read: Managing Arthritis Pain: Practical Tips and Strategies for Everyday Life
Preventive Measures for Foot and Ankle Health
You can reduce your risks of foot and ankle injuries with the following best practices:
- Don’t increase your exercise intensity too quickly.
- Avoid obesity and tobacco use.
- Wear protective equipment when you play sports.
- Eat a diet full of healthy nutrients.
Don’t Let Foot and Ankle Pain Hold You Back – Take Control of Your Health and get Expert Help Now!
When you have foot and ankle pain, you need treatment you can rely on. At Orthopedic Specialists, S.C., our knowledgeable and compassionate staff work hard to provide you with a custom treatment plan. From heel spurs to stress fractures, we’ll help you overcome them and reclaim your daily life.
You can schedule an appointment online or by calling (630) 782-9600.
