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Posts for tag: Joint Pain
Foot and ankle injuries are fairly common and can happen to anyone, not just athletes. While minor strains and sprains can be nursed back to health by simply resting and icing your injury, it’s important to be able to discern when you need to see a podiatrist for care. Put your feet up and check out these signs that it might be time to schedule a podiatry appointment.You are dealing with persistent heel pain
Heel pain is a common complaint and most often the result of an overuse injury such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. The good news is that heel pain will usually go away on its own with rest and home care; however, if the heel pain is severe or persists for weeks without getting better than it’s time to see a podiatrist and find out what’s going on.
You’re dealing with a sprained or fractured foot
If you are dealing with a new foot and ankle injury that you’ve never experienced before, then it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist who will be able to examine it to determine the extent and severity of the sprain or break. Since untreated or improperly treated injuries can lead to long-term foot and ankle pain and instability, it’s a good idea to get proper podiatry care when you sustain an injury.
You have been diagnosed with diabetes
People with diabetes know that they are also at an increased risk for other foot-related complications including neuropathy, ulcers, and infections. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes it’s a good idea to have a podiatrist that you can turn to for regular care, especially when problems arise. Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, you should still see your podiatrist once a year for a routine checkup.
You’re dealing with regular joint pain and stiffness
While there are many reasons why someone may deal with a bout of joint pain, if this is a persistent problem, you may be dealing with arthritis. Since arthritis is progressive, it’s important to diagnose this problem early when medications and treatments can help to slow the progression of joint damage.
If you are experiencing a foot or ankle injury or experiencing symptoms that have you concerned, it’s best to consult foot care professionals for comprehensive podiatry care.
The foot contains 26 bones and more than 30 joints, which can create multiple areas for pain to originate. Swelling, tenderness, stiffness, redness, bruising, and/or increased warmth may accompany the pain in the affected joints. Your podiatrist in Chandler describes joint pain as being caused by trauma, infection, arthritis, bursitis, gout, or structural foot problems.
When you first notice any joint pain in your foot and ankle, your Chandler podiatrist may initially treat your pain with the conservative treatment, RICE, which stands for:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
Your podiatrist in Chandler will also recommend a limitation of walking and weight bearing on the painful foot to ensure further damage does not develop. Use of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, and ice can also help to reduce local inflammation and pain. Custom orthotics may also be prescribed to support the foot and reduce the pain.
Family Foot and Ankle Care, PC can best determine the cause of joint pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing joint pain in your foot or ankle, schedule an appointment today to ensure a speedy recovery.