4 Foot and Ankle Conditions and When to Seek Professional Help

If your feet or ankles ache with pain or have difficulty walking, you might have one of several conditions that should be treated by a doctor. Minor pain may be treated at home, but chronic or more severe issues often require more care. At Horizon Foot and Ankle Institute, we provide comprehensive treatment of all pathology of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Here are a few of the conditions we treat:

1. Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the body, connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This tendon is responsible for much of the foot’s movement, which is why it is easily damaged. Tendonitis often occurs from overuse, causing irritation and inflammation of the tendon. Mild cases might be treated at home, but more severe pain or prolonged pain requires a doctor’s care. Treatment includes orthotics placed in the shoe, strengthening exercises, and anti-inflammatory medications.

2. Bone Spurs

Bone spurs usually occur around a joint on the heel and ankle. They are a growth that extends from the healthy bone as a result of inflammation. They cause swelling, pain, difficulty walking, stiffness, and loss of motion. Mild cases of bone spurs are treated with over-the-counter medication, but more severe cases require medical attention. A doctor at the foot and ankle institute will often recommend surgery for the most extreme cases of bone spurs.

3. Foot Ulcers

Foot ulcers are open sores on the feet, which are often caused by diabetes and poor circulation. These sores are most often found along the balls of the feet and near the big toes, but they can be located anywhere on the foot. If left untreated, the sores have the potential to reach the bone.

Foot ulcers are painful, but many diabetic patients have limited feeling in their legs, which sometimes prevents them from feeling the pain. They may notice redness on their feet or wetness in their socks even if they don’t see or feel the sores. Because diabetes slows the healing process, anyone with a foot ulcer should seek medical treatment. Early intervention helps to prevent infection and permanent damage. Treatment includes wound care, medication, and removal of the infected tissue.

4. Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a condition of the peripheral nerve system that occurs when neurons die. In diabetic patients, neuropathy most often affects the legs. Symptoms include pain or tingling in the feet, muscle weakness, and numbness. Left untreated, the condition may worsen.

If you experience these symptoms, you should contact us for an appointment. Several treatment options are available, such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). In this treatment, the doctor places electrodes on the skin to produce an electrical stimulation to your nerves. Physical therapy is another treatment that the doctor could recommend to strengthen the muscles in the legs and feet. In more severe cases, surgery could be necessary to relieve the pressure.

Seek Care with Horizon Foot and Ankle Institute

If you suffer from undiagnosed pain in your feet or ankles, schedule an appointment with Horizon Foot and Ankle Institute. Our medical team provides comprehensive care for a wide range of foot, leg, and ankle conditions. We will diagnose the issue and recommend a high-quality treatment. Contact us today for an appointment to get the care you need.