Why Ankle and Foot Pain Should Worry You No More

Occasionally we may feel some pain in our feet. This is a result of overusing the muscles or from a minor injury. Even a seemingly non serious foot or ankle injury can be painful and limit your daily activities. In some cases, it can go away with a bit of home remedies, and sometimes it can be hard to determine whether you should seek medical help. Suppose you have severe pain or cannot put weight on your foot or ankle. In that case, the Albany foot and ankle specialists at Orthopaedic Associates offer various diagnostic and treatment services to deal with pain in your foot and ankle.

Why does my ankle hurt?

If you are experiencing ankle pain while walking, running, or resting, it might be due to a minor injury or a severe problem. Ankle pain is usually caused by injuries, wear and tear, or disorders. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it may be caused by one of the following injuries.

Achilles tendon injury

The Achilles is a thick tissue that runs behind your ankle joint. This part can experience a wide range of pain from mild to severe from inflammation of the tendons (tendonitis) or a partial or complete tear. A complete tear can cause a lot of pain and needs immediate help from a doctor to avoid further complications.

Fracture

When your foot twists, it can cause your bones to break. Minor injuries can also result in fractures which might result in arthritis. When you go for treatment, your doctor needs to diagnose the condition to get the proper treatment.

Cartilage injury

When cartilage injury occurs over time, it causes cartilage bruises on the part of the ankle’s weight-bearing side, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Ankle sprain

The ankle can experience different types of sprains, which mostly heal on their own. But when a complete rupture occurs, it is painful and requires the immediate attention of a doctor. When you feel pain, go for a checkup so that your doctor may diagnose the severity of your injury and offer treatment.

Another reason your ankle is hurting could be due to a rupture in the plantaris muscle. Plantaris is a thread of tendons that are situated next to the large Achilles tendon. When there is a sudden muscular movement, it may result in the tear of these tendons, leading to swelling and pain.

Do I need surgery for ankle and foot pain?

When you visit your doctor for foot and ankle treatment, they will diagnose your condition’s cause and severity. Based on the diagnostic results, your doctor will then offer the right course of treatment. If the other forms of treatments fail, your doctor may recommend surgery. The specialist will conduct a minimally invasive surgery to do away with the pain and improve your movement. Your symptoms’ severity (does it affect your life?), response to other medications and therapies, and your specific needs influences the decision to perform surgery. It would help if you discussed the treatment options with your healthcare provider, ask them about their risks and advantages. Be free to ask any questions and tell your doctor about your expectations. Injury or pain in your foot and ankle should not hinder your everyday activities. Book an appointment with your specialist at Orthopaedic Associates to regain your mobility.