Whether you’ve sustained an injury from sports, experience chronic pain, or struggle with everyday discomfort, knowing when to see a foot and ankle specialist is essential for your overall health. This article will guide you through when to seek professional help, what conditions foot and ankle specialists treat, how conditions are diagnosed, and the available treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical.
If you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Schedule an appointment with the experts at Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center in the Greater Columbus, Ohio area today, and take the first step toward relief and recovery!
Foot and ankle issues can range from mild discomfort to severe injuries that impact your mobility. If you’re experiencing consistent ankle pain or problems with your feet, it might be time to consult an expert.
You should consider seeing a foot and ankle specialist if:
Sometimes, an issue with your feet or ankles may stem from a larger underlying condition, which is why it’s critical to seek specialized care.
While your primary care physician can address general foot or ankle concerns, a foot and ankle specialist is trained to handle more complex cases. These specialists, often orthopedic surgeons, have additional expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the bones, soft tissues, and joints of the foot and ankle.
If your condition is severe, does not improve with conservative treatment, or requires surgical care, it’s time to see a specialist. Additionally, if you have a history of recurring injuries, such as ankle sprains, or conditions that affect your foot and ankle, like arthritis, seeing a specialist is a good way to address chronic issues early on.
Foot and ankle specialists treat a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
Many people assume they must wait until an issue becomes unbearable before seeking treatment. Others believe they can only see a specialist after trying basic home remedies or treatments prescribed by their primary care physician. However, early intervention can prevent more serious issues from developing and help restore your mobility sooner.
Another misconception is that surgery is always required for foot and ankle conditions. In fact, many conditions can be treated effectively with non-surgical methods, including physical therapy, orthotics, and lifestyle adjustments.
Diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam, where the specialist will assess your foot and ankle for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion. Your doctor may ask you to move your foot or ankle in different directions to evaluate its function.
Depending on the symptoms, additional diagnostic tests may be needed, including:
Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss your diagnosis with you and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
For many conditions, non-surgical treatment is sufficient. Non-surgical options may include:
Custom orthotics and changes to your exercise routine may also be recommended to help treat foot issues.
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Foot and ankle surgeons are skilled in performing procedures ranging from minimally invasive techniques to more complex surgeries. Some surgical options include:
If you’re dealing with persistent foot or ankle pain, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Seeking the care of a specialist can help prevent further damage and speed up recovery. Whether you have a sports injury, suffer from chronic conditions, or experience any discomfort in your feet or ankles, our team at Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center is here to help.
Our skilled ankle surgeons in Columbus, Ohio, are ready to provide personalized care, treatment plans, and expert surgical care when necessary. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward better foot and ankle health!
Medically reviewed by Roberto A. Brandão, DPM, FACFAS
