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Should I see a sports medicine specialist about foot and ankle pain?

Yes. If you’re experiencing foot and ankle pain lasting longer than a few days and it doesn’t improve with rest, ice, or activity changes, contact Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics immediately. Most foot and ankle problems aren’t severe. But without treatment, they can become so, affecting your mobility and quality of life.

What are the symptoms of foot and ankle pain?

Foot and ankle pain symptoms include:

  • Pain in the balls, heels, or arches of your feet
  • Stiffness
  • Difficulty wiggling your toes
  • Difficulty standing up and walking
  • Tingling, numbness, and weakness
  • Redness and swelling
  • Dull aching

If your pain is caused by an ingrown toenail, you might notice that your affected toe bleeds or oozes pus.

What causes foot and ankle pain?

Foot and ankle pain occurs for various reasons, including:

  • Sports injuries
  • General wear-and-tear
  • Arthritis
  • Wearing uncomfortable shoes
  • Being overweight

Sometimes, foot pain occurs because of structural abnormalities, like flat feet, high arches, and bunions.

How does a sports medicine specialist diagnose foot and ankle pain?

Your Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your foot, ankle, and lower leg. They check for bruising, redness, and swelling, assess your flexibility and range of motion, and gently press on different areas to identify sensitive places.

Some injuries, like ankle sprains, are easy to see. But if your provider suspects an underlying problem, like arthritis or a fracture, they order X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI.

How do sports medicine specialists treat foot and ankle pain?

Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics treats foot and ankle pain using conservative and nonsurgical methods. They could suggest:

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or a mild prescription narcotic
  • Driving restrictions
  • Work restrictions
  • Exercise restrictions
  • Using crutches
  • Wearing a boot, cast, or a stirrup ankle brace
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
  • Prolotherapy
  • Ultrasound-guided injections
  • Physical therapy
  • Walking
  • Cycling
  • Swimming

Rehabilitation takes several weeks, sometimes months. As your foot or ankle heals, your provider adjusts the treatment plan.

Is there any way to prevent foot and ankle pain?

The easiest way to reduce your foot and ankle pain risk is to take good care of your feet. Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics recommends wearing comfortable shoes that support your feet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly.

Call Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics today to schedule foot and ankle pain treatment, or book your appointment online.