Foot and Ankle

Why are the foot and ankle susceptible to injury?

Your feet and ankles are susceptible to injury for several reasons. For one, they help support the weight of your body. They also contain bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles that help you stand, walk, run, and perform other basic tasks. Your feet and ankles are incredibly tough and experience considerable wear-and-tear, but they aren’t invincible. 

Most types of foot and ankle pain improve with at-home treatments, but if your symptoms persist or worsen, contact Garden State Pain & Orthopedics immediately.

What issues commonly affect the foot and ankle?

At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, the team diagnoses and treats various issues that affect the feet and ankles, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Bunions
• Morton’s neuroma
• Corns and calluses
• Ingrown toenail
• Hammertoes
• Plantar warts
• Athlete’s foot
• Achilles tendonitis
• Ankle sprains
• Arthritis

If you drop something heavy on your foot or step down awkwardly, you might also experience a fracture.

When should I see a foot and ankle doctor?

Make an appointment with the team at Garden State Pain & Orthopedics if you experience foot or ankle pain and it lasts for more than a week. That’s especially true if the pain occurs alongside other symptoms like stiffness, swelling, or poor mobility.

How are foot and ankle issues diagnosed?

To diagnose foot and ankle issues, your Garden State Pain & Orthopedics provider reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms, and performs a physical exam. During the exam, they observe your foot and ankle, looking for redness, swelling, or bruising. They also check your muscle strength, reflexes, and flexibility.

Your Garden State Pain & Orthopedics provider also orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI, to see if you have a fracture, a ruptured tendon, or a dislocated joint.

How are foot and ankle issues treated?

At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, the team treats foot and ankle issues with conservative and minimally invasive treatments whenever possible. Depending on your medical history and symptoms, they might recommend:

• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy
• Ice, rest, and elevation
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Activity modification
• Wearing comfortable and supportive shoes
• Stretches
• Strengthening exercises
• Mobility devices, like crutches or a cane

If these treatments don’t ease your symptoms or provide lasting relief, the team might recommend surgery. There are two types of orthopedic surgery –– traditional open surgery and minimally invasive surgery.

To receive treatment for foot and ankle pain, make an appointment at Garden State Pain & Orthopedics by calling the nearest office or booking online today.