Foot or Ankle Pain? See the RIGHT Specialist First!
If you have foot or ankle pain, it might limit your daily activity and negatively impact your overall health. Whether it’s from a sports-related injury, ongoing heel pain, nail fungus, or a neurological condition (such as a neuroma), knowing which health care professional to see is very important. Many people ask, “Who is the specialist for foot and ankle pain?”
The specialist for the treatment of pain in the foot and ankle is a podiatrist specialist. These medical professionals are trained to diagnose, treat and prevent injury and disease of the foot and ankle. From mild discomfort to complex surgical solutions, a foot and ankle specialist can provide a wide variety of comprehensive treatment options based on your individual situation.
In this blog we will look at the role of a foot and ankle specialist, when to see one and common conditions they treat, as well as advanced technologies such as laser therapy and modern surgical techniques that can provide relief and increase mobility.
Who Is a Foot and Ankle Specialist?
An individual who specializes in treating injuries, diseases, and conditions of the foot and ankle is known as a foot specialist. A foot doctor is also called a foot specialist or podiatrist, and this type of physician has been trained to assess and treat conditions related to the structure, function, and care of the lower limb.
Foot and ankle specialists complete an extensive course of study and hands-on training to prepare them to treat everything from routine foot care to complex surgical procedures. Their extensive knowledge of the anatomy and function of the foot and ankle enables them to accurately identify and effectively treat:
Injuries that result from accidents such as:
Ankle sprains and fractures
Chronic pain conditions
Nail and skin problems
Deformities of the foot and ankle
Nerve-related conditions
Although a general practitioner can treat injuries or illnesses affecting the foot and ankle, a podiatrist has a much deeper understanding of how the foot works and how it moves.
Common Conditions Treated by a Foot and Ankle Specialist
Foot and ankle specialists can help you manage a variety of conditions including but not limited to:
1. Foot Injuries and Ankle Pain
An injury you sustained playing sports, tripping, falling, or due to an accident could result in ankle pain from sprains, fractures, ruptured tendons, ligaments, etc. Chronic ankle pain should be thoroughly evaluated to avoid worsening problems caused by not treating your injury.
Foot and ankle specialists evaluate your injury to determine the best course of action using physical examination, X-rays, MRI’s, etc. to diagnose your ankle injury. Treatments might range from resting, bracing, physical therapy or surgery if necessary.
2. Fungal Toenail Infections
Fungal nail infections (aka: fungal toenails) are common, and over-the-counter products do not work. You will need to be cared for by a foot and ankle specialist if your toenails are thick, yellow/green in color and brittle. Because of the rise of advanced treatments including lasers, they are becoming very popular due to being effective but less painful and longer lasting than using topical ointments.
It is common for patients to ask about how much laser treatment for a fungal toenail infection costs. The cost will vary depending on how severe your fungal toenail infection is and how many times you will have to have the laser treated. However, the advantages of laser treatment are, lower level of pain, no down time, and a much higher success rate than using topical products alone.
3. Neuromas and Nerve Pain
When nerve tissue thickens from irritation or compression, it will develop into what is called a neuroma. Neuromas can develop between toes. Symptoms include burning pain, tingling, and numbness.
Having a foot and ankle specialist assess the neuroma can prevent long-term nerve damage and chronic discomfort.
4. Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain may arise from either plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or bone spurs. A foot doctor in Houston TX will identify the underlying cause of heel pain and provide a personalized treatment plan including stretching exercises, orthotics, shockwave therapy, or minimally invasive procedures.
5. Structural Problems
Bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, and high arches all have the potential to develop into painful, restrictive walking problems. If left untreated, these issues can worsen and develop secondary conditions such as knee pain and back pain. A foot and ankle specialist will be able to provide conservative treatment options and, when indicated, surgical options for correction.
When Should You See a Foot and Ankle Specialist?
You should see a physician specializing in the foot/ankle if you have:
Continued pain in your foot or ankle after a few days
Swelling, redness, or heat around the joint
Inability to walk/stand properly
Discoloration or thickening of your nails
Tingling or numbness in your toes
Repeated injuries or feeling unsteady on your foot
It is important to act on the symptoms so you do not suffer from long-term damage or require more extensive treatment. Receiving treatment as soon as possible generally results in a shorter recovery time and improved long-term outcomes.
Diagnostic Tools Used by Foot and Ankle Specialists
Foot and ankle doctors have access to a variety of diagnostic tools, which can help them find the source of your foot and/or ankle pain:
Physical exams, which are used to identify your range of motion and pressure points.
X-rays, which identify fractures or other abnormalities in the bones.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), used to assess soft tissue injuries.
Gait analysis, which allows the physician to evaluate how you walk.
Nerve testing, which is performed when there are suspicions of neuromas or neuropathy.
Having access to any of these tools will assist in the accurate diagnosis and development of your treatment plan.
Treatment Options Available
Foot and ankle specialists use a variety of non-surgical and surgical solutions to treat foot and ankle injuries.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Orthotic inserts
Physical therapy
Anti-inflammatory medications
Laser therapy for fungal nails
Injection therapy
Lifestyle and footwear recommendations
Surgical Treatments
Surgical options are only performed if conservative methods do not relieve the injury. There can be a wide range of procedure types from minimally invasive to major reconstructive to complicated procedures, but most of the time the procedure techniques used will allow the patient to heal faster, have less pain, and recover with improved mobility.
Benefits of Seeing a Foot Doctor in Houston TX
When you choose to work with a podiatrist located in the Houston area, you’re guaranteed access to specialized medical attention as well as a convenient place to go for treatment.
Here are some benefits of this type of care:
A more accurate diagnosis of foot pain
Access to cutting-edge treatment technologies
A personalized treatment plan for your foot pain
The prevention of further complications from foot problems
A better quality of life.
A foot doctor in the Houston area understands the unique wear and tear put on your feet and is dedicated to keeping you healthy and active without pain.
How Preventive Care Protects Foot Health
Preventative care is just as important as treatment for the feet. Regular visits to a podiatrist can help identify foot problems early.
Some of the types of preventative care provided by a foot and ankle specialist in Houston include:
Nail and skin assessments
Advice regarding shoe selection
Custom-made orthotics to support your feet
Education on proper foot care and hygiene
Early intervention for conditions that may develop into more serious issues.
Maintaining healthy feet through preventative care can help you avoid developing serious complications or needing surgery. Having healthy feet allows you to be able to move freely and maintain your independence.
Conclusion
Don’t discount how severe feet or ankles can be injured. Whatever kind of foot/ankle injury you have be it because of nerves, fungus under toenails, or by participating in sports you shouldn’t think that a foot doctor’s professional expertise (in diagnosing and treating) has no bearing on the recovery process for you. By providing an accurate diagnosis and creating a specific plan of action for each patient’s condition, foot and ankle specialists help patients regain mobility, self-confidence and lead active lifestyles.
If your foot or ankle continues to bother you after weeks to months of rest, booking an appointment with a foot doctor should be your first step toward successful and healthy recovery.
A good example of an exceptional provider of foot and ankle health services is the foot & ankle podiatrist in Houston, Texas. The DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center provides patients with all-inclusive services all in one facility, they also offer clear direction regarding prices relating to laser treatment of toenail fungus, and provide patients with advanced treatment alternatives for neuromas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can help me heal an injury to my foot or ankle?
A foot and ankle podiatrist can help heal your foot and ankle injuries, any type of infection, nerve pain, and help you with your feet structurally when needed.
2. How much will it cost to have my fungal toenail treated with laser therapy?
The cost for fungal toenail laser therapy depends on how severe your infection is and how many visits you’ll need to resolve the issue. An accurate cost estimate and treatment plan will be provided to you during your consultation with a foot and ankle specialist.
3. How can I treat my neuroma(s)?
Options for treating neuromas can be orthotics, medications, injections, physical therapy, and/or surgery if there are no other alternatives. Getting treated sooner will allow you to prevent having to undergo surgery.
4. In Houston TX, what would warrant a visit to a foot doctor?
You should see a foot and ankle doctor if you have persistent pain, swelling, nail changes, numbness, or problems walking. The sooner you seek an accurate diagnosis, the sooner you will have a chance for a full recovery and to avoid major complications associated with your condition.
