Your foot and ankle play a big role when performing your daily routines. They allow you to get out of bed in the morning, drive to work, and they take you from one place to another. Sadly, most people neglect foot and ankle health until they start getting hurt. The most common reasons why people experience foot and ankle injuries is because of shoe styles, engaging in high intensity sports and exercise. According to American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 75% of Americans will experience foot and ankle problems of different levels of severity at one point in their lifetime.
Orthopedics in Boca Raton shares the 5 most common foot and ankle conditions along with their symptoms and treatment options:
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis occurs when a tendon is inflamed due to acute overuse. People who suffer from this kind of condition are the professional and weekend athletes.
Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, its resistance to forces can reach up to 1,000 pounds or more.
Symptoms:
- Recurring pain along the tendon or at the back of the heel bone
- Tenderness and stiffness
- Mild or moderate swelling
Treatment:
- Bandage to restrict motion of the tendon
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Appropriate massage or exercise
Ankle sprains
Ankle sprains usually happen during sports injuries and walking on uneven surfaces. They occur when the ankle twists causing damage to the ligaments. In severe types of ankle sprains a popping sound may be heard.
Symptoms:
- Swelling, bruising and pain
- Difficulty walking
Treatment:
- Immediately put ice on the injured area
- Do the R.I.C.E technique: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
- In severe cases doctors’ treatment method is advisable
- Arthritis of the foot and ankle
Osteochondritis dissecans or stiff ankle, creates lesions in the ankle that cause pain, swelling and stiffness in the joint. This type of condition affects all age groups.
Symptoms:
- Pain
- Swelling and tenderness
- Joint weakness
- Decreased range of motion
- Joint popping or locking
Treatment:
- Resting your joint
- Physical therapy
Bunion deformities
Bunions are bony bumps prominent on the side of the foot at the big toe joint. It is a hereditary skeletal problem, but wearing tight, narrow shoes can also be the cause of it. It forms when the big toe pushes against the next toe, causing the joint to stick out.
Symptoms:
- Bulging bump on the side of the foot
- Pain, swelling, redness and soreness
- Corn and calluses under or over the toe
- Restricted movement of the affected toe
Treatment:
- Specialised shoe inserts
- Changing to a more comfortable type of footwear
- Pain relieving medications
- Cortisone injections
- Surgery
Corns and calluses
Corns and calluses are thick, hardened areas of the skin that develop on the feet in response to friction. Though they are not dangerous, they can cause irritation and pain.
They mostly occur to people who wear ill-fitting shoes, have sweaty feet, and people who stand for long periods of time.
Symptoms:
- A raised, hardened bump
- Thick, rough skin
- Tenderness or pain under the skin
- Flaky and waxy skin
Treatment:
- The doctor will trim away the excess skin
- Shoe inserts
- Callus remover medications
- Surgery
Home remedies:
- Make use of over the counter pads
- Wear comfortable shoes and socks
- After taking a bath or soaking your feet, rub the affected area with a pumice stone
- Apply moisturizer to your feet
Orthopedics in Boca Raton have one of the best podiatrists: Desiree Garzon, DPM. She is the one who will help you with your foot and ankle conditions. Our center is known for its team of professional and experienced orthopedic specialists, including some of the best podiatrists. For more information about our facility, visit our website or contact us today.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
