Oh, your feet and ankles can take a beating! Every day, the average person utilizes this structure to walk between 8,000 to 10,000 steps. The repeated pounding and side-to-side motion performed in sports, exercise, and regular daily movement gives us some insight as to why this part of the body is the most common site of injuries. From basketball to dance, to simply walking around, feet and ankles are subjected to the rigorous demands that the body and legs place on them.
Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle are the most common symptoms of a sprained or fractured foot or ankle. Unresolved, ongoing pain or other foot or ankle abnormalities experienced during sports or exercise activity are reasons to visit an orthopedist. It is particularly important to seek timely care in order to prevent worsening of the condition.
A foot and ankle specialist can examine and diagnose an assortment of foot injuries and diseases to plan a course of treatment for a patient. There are good reasons why the treatment of the ankles and feet are now a specialty. Not only are the feet and ankles complex, but also, these body parts are prone to disease, growths, inflammation, and injury. Foot and ankle doctors treat a myriad of problems, including:
- Genetic disorders – flatfeet and clubfeet
- Plantar warts – growths on the soles of the feet
- Plantar fasciitis – muscle inflammation in the sole of a foot
- Morton’s neuroma – fibrous tissue formation along nerve tissue
- Ingrown toenails – toenails growing into the tissue of the toes
- Bunions – deformity of the large toe
- Athlete’s foot – contagious fungal condition of the toes and feet
- Fractures – cracked or broken bones
Your best bet when experiencing pain or discomfort around your feet is to seek help as quickly as possible. The worse things get, the more it will impact your daily activities, as well as your overall happiness.
Contact Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland at (410) 644-1880 to learn more about how we can help you find relief from foot or ankle conditions or injuries. Feel free to ask us any questions you might have about our treatment methods or what to expect from your initial consultation and diagnosis. We look forward to helping you get back to your regular activities with maximum comfort and range of motion. Give us a call, or you can request an appointment online at any time.
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