Foot And Ankle Pain

Foot and ankle pain is a common musculoskeletal problem, but if your symptoms last for more than a week, identifying the cause is essential. At Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas, with offices in Rockwall, Wylie, Forney, and Terrell, Texas, the team offers high-quality care for foot and ankle pain, including physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and custom orthotics (shoe inserts). Call Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas today to make an appointment, or book your visit online. 

How can I tell if my foot and ankle pain is serious?

Everyone experiences foot and ankle pain occasionally. However, if your symptoms don’t improve with at-home treatments, like ice, rest, and activity changes, it may point to an underlying injury that requires treatment. 

That’s particularly true if you notice the pain getting worse or it occurs alongside other symptoms, like skin discoloration or increased sensitivity to touch.

What conditions cause foot and ankle pain?

The Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas team treats foot and ankle pain caused by various issues, including:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Fallen arches (flatfeet)
• Tendinitis
• Sprained ligaments
• Strained muscles
• Fractures
• Plantar fasciitis
• Sports injuries
• Plantar warts
• Morton’s neuroma
• Toenail fungus
• Ingrown toenail
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Diabetic wounds

Sometimes, foot and ankle pain result from arthritis, like osteoarthritis or gout. 

How does an orthopaedic specialist diagnose foot and ankle pain?

Your Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if it extends into other areas, like your calves or hips. 

They examine your skin for swelling, redness, and bruising and gently press on the affected area to pinpoint sensitive places. Your provider also completes several tests to assess your muscle strength, flexibility, and reflexes. 

Most foot and ankle injuries can be diagnosed with a visual exam, but if your provider suspects a more serious medical condition, like a fracture or a dislocated joint, they order X-rays or an MRI to examine your bones and surrounding tissues. 

How does an orthopaedic specialist treat foot and ankle pain?

The Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas team treats foot and ankle pain using a conservative, minimally invasive approach whenever possible. They might suggest:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Immobilization with a cast or a splint
• Professional wound care (if you have diabetic ulcers or other slow-healing wounds)
• Custom orthotics (prescription shoe inserts)
• Physical therapy
• Wearing comfortable and supportive shoes
• Crutches or a cane to take weight off of your foot or ankle
• Ingrown toenail removal
• Plantar wart removal
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

The team might recommend minimally invasive or open orthopaedic surgery if you have a problem that doesn’t improve with conservative care, like a bunion or plantar fasciitis.

Call Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas today to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.