Foot And Ankle Pain Specialist
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ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL CONSULTANTS
Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, & Podiatry located in Merrillville, IN
If you regularly experience foot and ankle pain, you aren’t alone. Researchers estimate that 75% of Americans will suffer from foot and ankle pain at some time during their life. At Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants, the board-certified orthopaedic surgeons provide comprehensive care for foot and ankle pain. Using a combination of treatments, the team can relieve uncomfortable symptoms and help you feel better. To make an appointment, call the practice in Merrillville, Indiana, or book online today.
Foot and Ankle Pain Q & A
What is foot and ankle pain?
Foot and ankle pain refers to any discomfort, aching, swelling, or stiffness that affects your feet or ankles.
Your feet and ankles withstand general wear and tear daily. Over time, activities like standing, walking, and exercising take a toll on your hard and soft tissues, triggering a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. If you experience foot or ankle pain and don’t get better with ice and rest, make an appointment at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants.
What are some common causes of foot and ankle pain?
Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants treats foot and ankle pain caused by various conditions, including:
- Bursitis
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bone spurs
- Inflamed tendons
- Sever’s disease
- Flatfoot
- Infection
You might also experience foot and ankle pain because of a sports or a work-related injury.
Who is at risk of experiencing foot and ankle pain?
Foot and ankle pain affect people of all ages and backgrounds, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
- Being aged 65 or older
- Working a physically demanding job
- Playing sports
- Being overweight
You’re also more likely to experience foot and ankle pain if you have an underlying medical condition like rheumatoid arthritis.
How are foot and ankle pain diagnosed?
To diagnose foot and ankle pain, your provider at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, if it extends into other parts of your body, and if it worsens during certain activities.
Next, your provider has you remove your shoes and socks and carefully examines your feet and ankle. During the exam, they assess the appearance of your skin, gently press on your foot and ankle to pinpoint areas of sensitivity, and test your muscle strength and range of motion.
If these measures don’t provide enough information, your provider might also order X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan to rule out issues like fractures, torn tendons, or dislocated joints. After making a diagnosis, your provider develops a custom treatment plan.
How are foot and ankle pain treated?
Treatment of foot and ankle pain depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Usually, Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants recommends conservative, minimally invasive treatments, like:
- Braces and splints
- Custom orthotics
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Ice
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections
- Joint aspiration
If your symptoms persist or get worse, even after conservative treatment, surgical intervention might be necessary. During foot and ankle surgery, your provider uses special tools to remove diseased or damaged tissue and make repairs.
To receive treatment for foot and ankle pain, make an appointment at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants. Call the nearest office or schedule a consultation online today.