Foot And Ankle Pain Specialist

What is foot and ankle pain?

Foot and ankle pain refers to stiffness, swelling, or discomfort that affects any part of your feet or ankles. 

Your lower extremities feature dozens of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Though incredibly tough, these hard and soft tissues regularly experience wear-and-tear, which can affect your mobility and quality of life.

Foot and ankle pain is a common condition that typically responds to at-home treatment. Even so, if your symptoms persist or worsen, contact Dr. Christie and the team.

What causes foot and ankle pain?

Dr. Christie and the team treat foot and ankle pain caused by:

• Heel spurs
• Stone bruise
• Heel fracture
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Metatarsalgia (pain or swelling in the ball of your foot)
• Morton’s neuroma (a nerve tumor)
• Sesamoiditis (inflammation of the tendons in your big toes)
• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
• Flat feet
• Gout
• Bunions
• Hammertoe
• Ingrown toenail
• Toe fracture
• Corns and calluses
• Tendinitis

They also treat foot and ankle pain caused by sports and work-related injuries.

Should I see a podiatrist about foot and ankle pain?

Most cases of foot and ankle pain respond to conservative and at-home treatments, like rest, ice, and taking anti-inflammatory medication. If your symptoms persist, get worse, or affect your ability to work or do other regular activities, make an appointment with Dr. Christie and the team.

How are foot and ankle pain diagnosed?

To diagnose foot and ankle pain, Dr. Christie reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, if any activities make them worse, and what the pain feels like. 

Next, Dr. Christie has you remove your shoes and socks. He examines your affected foot and ankle, looking for signs of bruising, swelling, or redness. Dr. Christie gently presses on your foot and ankle and conducts a series of tests to check their strength, range of motion, and flexibility.

If visual observation doesn’t provide enough information, Dr. Christie will order diagnostic imaging like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. These procedures make it easy to rule out more serious issues, like fractures, dislocated joints, or inflamed tendons.

How are foot and ankle pain treated?

Treatment for foot and ankle pain depends on a variety of factors, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and the underlying cause. Usually, Dr. Christie and the team recommend conservative, minimally invasive treatments, including:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Ice, rest, and elevation
• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Orthotics
• Corticosteroid injections
• Stretches and strengthening exercises
• Wearing more comfortable shoes
• Avoiding certain triggers that make your symptoms worse

If conservative treatments don’t provide lasting relief, Dr. Christie might recommend surgery. Dr. Christie and the team specialize in minimally invasive procedures. These treatments reduce the risk of bleeding and infection and boast quicker recovery times.

To receive complete care for foot and ankle pain, make an appointment at Christie Foot & Ankle by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.