Did you know that you have more than 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons; 33 joints; and 26 bones in each foot?
Each of these structures is a potential site for injury. Getting adequate knowledge of the common injuries that affect them—and their symptoms—is crucial for seeking prompt treatment from a foot-and-ankle doctor and preventing serious complications.
Let’s talk about the common injuries treated by a foot and ankle doctor and where to find a good one in Naples, FL.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is among the major reasons why one million Americans see their foot-and-ankle doctor each year.
The plantar fascia supports the arch of your foot and functions as a shock-absorber as you walk or move around. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia gets overused and inflamed. Symptoms include stabbing pain at the bottom of your foot that typically gets worse when you take your first steps in the morning or after you’ve been sitting for a long time.
Your foot-and-ankle doctor will perform a thorough examination and order diagnostic imaging tests to determine its exact cause. From there, your doctor will recommend various treatment options, such as anti-inflammatories, night splints, orthotics, and physical therapy, or a combination of any of these. When none of these options provide relief and if the pain has already lasted for more than six months, your doctor will likely recommend surgery.
Foot Fractures
Foot fractures are a common injury in adults and children alike. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), anyone who engages in activities that are either strenuous or repetitive in nature is at risk of foot fractures.
Common symptoms of a foot fracture include sudden, throbbing pain; foot deformity (depending on which area is affected); difficulty in bearing weight or walking; and swelling.
While the R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) method is beneficial for your fracture’s healing process, seeing a foot-and-ankle doctor is important. Your doctor will perform a comprehensive examination and order diagnostic imaging scans to devise an appropriate treatment plan. If you have a complicated or open fracture, casting and surgery may be recommended to immobilize the bone and hold the bone pieces together.
Untreated foot fractures can result in serious complications, such as nerve damage, infection, permanent foot deformity, and improper healing.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is a common tendon injury that predominantly affects adult males, between ages 50 and 59.
Achilles tendinitis occurs when the band of tissue (Achilles tendon) that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone becomes inflamed. The inflammation causes pain (especially when pointing your foot), crackling sound when moving your ankle, and swelling in your Achilles tendon.
R.I.C.E is also the first-line treatment for Achilles tendinitis. However, like when you sustain other types of foot injuries, you need to seek prompt medical treatment for Achilles tendinitis, especially when the pain is unmanageable or persists after applying the R.I.C.E method. The symptoms of Achilles tendinitis can also mimic those of other injuries or conditions, so proper diagnosis is imperative.
If left untreated, Achilles tendonitis can result in a series of tears within the tendon, making it susceptible to rupture, which will most likely need serious treatment options, such as surgery.
Board-Certified, Highly Skilled Foot-and-Ankle Doctor in Naples, FL
Don’t let your foot or ankle injury put you on the sidelines. Visit us at Joint Replacement Institute for an evaluation with our very own foot-and-ankle specialist, Dr. Jaime Weaver.
Dr. Weaver provides high-quality, innovative nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for a variety of foot or ankle conditions or injuries to ensure our patients can live their lives as pain-free as possible.
Dr. Weaver firmly believes in the importance of empowering patients through education and getting them involved in their own care. She will take the time to explain your treatment options in words that are perfectly easy to understand and keep you informed all throughout your treatment.
To arrange a consultation with Dr. Jaime Weaver, call us at (239) 313-0543 or use our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to assisting you!
