Ask Dr. Bacot
Foot & Ankle Treatment
Fracture, Sprains, and Strains
Fractures, sprains and strains are common foot injuries that may occur as a result of a fall, accident or sports-related incident and lead to pain, swelling and stiffness in the affected area. A fracture involves a tear or break in the bone, while sprains and strains involve a stretching or tearing of ligaments.
It is important to seek immediate medical attention for any of these injuries to effectively relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term damage. Treatment for these conditions depends on the type and severity of the location, but may include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, splinting or surgery in more serious cases.
Diabetic Foot Care
People with diabetes are at high risk for developing problems with their feet. More than half of diabetics lose sensation in their feet due to nerve or blood vessel damage, and can hurt themselves without knowing it. To make things worse, diabetes slows healing and weakens the immune system, so what may seem like an inconsequential injury can quickly become a major problem.
Regular podiatric examinations are essential in detecting any foot abnormalities as soon as possible and reducing the risk of complications.
Foot Deformities
Physical deformities of the foot, such as clubfoot, flatfoot, metatarsus adductus and syndactyly, are often present at birth or may occur as a result of developmental abnormalities, injury or disease, and can affect a patient's ability to walk properly, causing pain and other serious complications.
Foot deformities may be treated through nonsurgical methods such as manipulation and casting to restore the foot to a normal position and hold it in place as it heals. Surgery may be needed for more severe cases, and can often be performed using minimally invasive techniques.
Toe Disorders
The toes are often affected by conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails or hallux rigidus, which may occur as a result of ill-fitting shoes, injury, overuse, improper foot care or genetic pre-disposition. These conditions may cause pain, swelling, stiffness and physical deformity and can lead to difficulty walking or wearing shoes.
Treatment for toe disorders depends on the type and severity of the condition, but may include medication, orthotics, physical therapy, ice or minimally invasive surgery after more conservative methods have failed.
Foot Tendon Treatment
Tendon disorders such as tendonitis and tendon rupture may develop as a result of overuse and involve either inflammation or a tearing of the tendon in the affected area. In the foot and ankle, these conditions commonly occur in the Achilles tendon, the strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel.
Dr. Bacot may recommend rest, ice, orthotics, a walking boot or pain medication to relieve symptoms of tendon disorders. Severe conditions may require repair surgery to remove inflamed tissue in the area and restore normal foot function.
Arthritis and Joint Diseases
Like any other joint in the body, the ankle can be affected by arthritis or other chronic conditions that cause pain, swelling and stiffness caused by inflammation in the affected area. These conditions may develop as a result of long-term wear and tear on the joint, or from an autoimmune reaction.
Treating arthritis and related joint conditions may be done through anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, bracing, shoe inserts or more comfortable shoes. Severe cases may eventually require arthroscopy or joint replacement surgery to effectively relieve symptoms and restore movement.
Sports Injuries
Because of the frequent use, wear-and-tear and risk of a fall or accident associated with sports activities, athletes are often susceptible to orthopedic injuries, including a stress fracture, chronic pain, or a tearing or stretching of internal structures. Different activities place different areas at a higher risk for damage, so it's important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself while playing sports.
Treatment for these conditions may involve surgery, orthotics, physical therapy and rest. We are highly experienced in the management of sports injuries to allow for a safe and speedy return to activity.
Nerve Disorders
Nerves travel throughout the body to deliver signals to and from the brain, but may become damaged and diseased, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling and burning in the affected area. Common nerve disorders in the foot and ankle include tarsal tunnel syndrome and Morton's neuroma.
The best treatment for foot and ankle nerve disorders depends on the type and cause of the condition, but often includes anti-inflammatory medication, orthotics or corticosteroid injections. Surgery may be performed as a last resort to relieve pressure on the affected nerve.
