What causes foot and ankle pain?
Foot and ankle pain can be the result of degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis that wear out the structures of the joint. When the bones of your foot or ankle rub together, it creates friction that contributes to persistent inflammation and pain. You may also develop chronic foot pain from bunions, a bony bump that forms on the base of your big toe joint. The bump forces the tip of your big toe toward the smaller toes and causes the big toe joint to stick out. Other common causes of foot and ankle pain the team at Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute can diagnose and treat include:
- Bursitis
- Fractures
- Tendinitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute if you have persistent foot and ankle pain that you can’t relieve with rest and home care.
How is foot and ankle pain diagnosed?
To determine the underlying cause of your foot and ankle pain, the team at Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute offers state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies in-office. They evaluate close-up images of your foot or ankle structures to identify fractures, tissue tears, and other issues that trigger your pain. Additionally, the team performs a comprehensive physical exam of your foot and ankle to evaluate the range of motion you have. They also check for swelling, bruising, and joint deformities. Once they understand the nature of your condition, the orthopedic specialists create a treatment plan to relieve pain and restore full mobility in your foot or ankle.
How is foot and ankle pain treated?
Your treatment plan for foot and ankle pain might begin with conservative therapies like medications, bracing or a cast, physical therapy, or rest. The team at Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute can also administer an injection of an anesthetic and anti-inflammatory into the painful area to make physical therapy and regular exercise easier and less painful. If you have severe joint damage because of arthritis, you might need foot or ankle surgery. The surgical team uses minimally invasive, arthroscopic, or robotic surgical techniques to repair fractures and remove damaged tissue without causing unnecessary trauma to your body. They also offer ankle replacement surgery if no other treatments work. During bunion surgery, your surgeon focuses on repositioning and stabilizing your big toe joint. They may also remove inflamed tissue around the joint to increase your toe’s mobility. To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for foot and ankle pain, call the Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute office nearest you or request a consultation online today.
