Foot and ankle pain
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Has pain limited your ability to enjoy activities? Meet one-on-one with an Asante orthopedic specialist to assess your bone, joint and muscle health — the first step toward returning to an active lifestyle.
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Foot and ankle pain involves the joints, tendons and tissues that make up the foot and ankle, and can affect patients of any age and any lifestyle. It can be brought on by a traumatic injury, an ongoing condition, or natural aging. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor will determine what the most likely cause and treatment is for your case, and will create a personalized plan based on your unique needs and lifestyle.
Conditions we treat
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from the heel to the toes. It is often the result of overuse or improper foot mechanics, such as flat feet or high arches.
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, one of our doctors can diagnose and treat the condition. This may include recommendations for at-home care, such as stretching exercises and the use of arch supports or orthotic inserts. They may also recommend physical therapy or other types of treatment to help reduce inflammation and pain. In some cases, your doctor may suggest a corticosteroid injection to help reduce inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to release the plantar fascia or to remove a heel spur.
Bunions
A bunion is a deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe. It causes the big toe to angle toward the other toes, forming a bony bump at the base of the big toe. Bunions can cause pain, swelling, and redness and can make it difficult to walk or wear certain types of shoes.
If your provider believes you have a bunion, they may recommend changes to footwear or prescribe padding or inserts to help reduce pressure on the bunion. They may also recommend exercises to help stretch and strengthen the muscles in your foot. In some cases, a brace or splint may be recommended to help realign the big toe. If non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgery may be recommended to correct the deformity and relieve pain.
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the Achilles tendon, the large tendon in the back of the ankle. It is typically caused by overuse or strain on the tendon, and can be made worse by activities such as running, jumping or climbing. Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle, swelling, and difficulty flexing the foot.
Achilles tendonitis can typically be treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. If these measures aren’t helping, your doctor may recommend stretching and strengthening exercises to help improve the flexibility and strength of the tendon. Your provider may also recommend physical therapy or the use of a walking boot or cast to help immobilize your foot or, in more severe cases, surgery.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a deformity of the toes in which the middle joint of the toe becomes bent, causing the toe to take on a hammer-like shape. This can cause pain when walking or wearing certain kinds of shoes, and can lead to the development of corns and calluses.
Hammertoe can often be treated without surgery through stretching and strengthening, and through footwear changes. Your provider may recommend wearing shoes with an orthotic insert or with a wider toe box to help alleviate pressure on the toes. In some cases, your provider may recommend the use of a splint or a brace to help realign the toe. If non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgery may be recommended to correct the deformity and relieve pain.
Peroneal tendonitis
Peroneal tendonitis is a condition that causes pain in both the tendons that run along your outer ankle bone and the side of your foot. It is typically caused by overuse or strain and can be made worse by activities such as running, jumping, or climbing. Symptoms of peroneal tendonitis may include pain and swelling on the outside of the ankle, difficulty moving the foot and ankle and tenderness or soreness where the tendons are touched.
Like Achilles tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis can typically be treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. If your symptoms persist, your provider may recommend strengthening exercises, physical therapy, or the use of a walking boot or cast to help immobilize the foot and allow the tendons to heal. Severe cases of peroneal tendonitis may require surgery.
Sprained ankle
A sprained ankle is an injury to the ligaments in the ankle. It is typically caused by twisting or turning the ankle in an awkward way, and can result in pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. A sprained ankle can range in severity from a mild sprain, in which the ligaments are stretched but not torn, to a severe sprain, in which the ligaments are completely torn.
If you believe you have sprained your ankle, one of our providers will examine the ankle to evaluate the severity of the sprain, which could include an X-ray. Treatment may include rest, ice, compression and elevation to help reduce inflammation and pain, and the use of crutches or a walking boot to help protect the ankle. In some cases, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help improve strength and range of motion in the ankle. In rare, severe cases, a sprained ankle may require surgery.
Treatment options
Orthotics
Orthotics are devices that are inserted into shoes to help support and align the feet and ankles. They are often used to treat foot and ankle pain. Orthotics can be custom-made to fit your feet, or they can be bought over the counter in various sizes.
Orthotics can be used to treat a wide range of foot and ankle problems, including plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoe, and flatfoot. They work by helping to distribute weight evenly across the foot, which can help reduce pressure on certain areas of the foot and relieve pain. Orthotics can also help correct misalignment of the feet and ankles, which can help reduce the risk of further injury. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as physical therapy or the use of a walking boot or cast, to help improve the function of the feet and ankles.
Achieving the best possible outcome takes work on both our part and yours. We promise to hold up our end of the bargain by providing the best medical services possible when you’re in our care. We'll be there to support you as you do your part by fully participating in an ongoing rehabilitation program.
In severe cases, your foot or ankle injury may require surgery. If so, one of our fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons will work with you to determine the best surgery and rehabilitation plan based on your specific goals and lifestyle.
Our nationally recognized joint replacement program at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center features surgeons in the Asante Health Network and uses therapies and treatment options for ankle replacement to reduce or eliminate pain and improve patient recovery times.
Ankle replacement
An ankle replacement is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased ankle joint is replaced with a prosthetic joint. Surgery is typically recommended to relieve pain and improve mobility in people with severe arthritis or other conditions that cause the ankle joint to degenerate.
