Chronic foot pain can disrupt daily life and make even simple tasks a challenge. Whether caused by an injury, arthritis, or other conditions, lingering foot pain often requires expert care.
Fortunately, specialized help is available at the Advanced Orthopedic Center’s foot and ankle center. Let us explore how foot and ankle experts at Advanced Orthopedic Center can diagnose and treat chronic foot pain.
What Causes Chronic Foot Pain
There are many reasons why your feet may hurt persistently. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step to effective foot and ankle pain treatment. Common causes include:
Plantar Fasciitis
A condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes. It is often triggered by overuse, improper footwear, or prolonged standing.
Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially in the morning or after long periods of rest.
Arthritis
Chronic conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the foot or ankle joints. This can affect mobility and, over time, lead to joint damage or deformities if untreated.
Bunions
These are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, usually due to pressure on the joint from tight or ill-fitting shoes. Bunions can worsen over time, causing chronic pain, redness, and difficulty wearing certain footwear.
Heel Spurs
A bony growth (calcium deposit) that develops on the underside of the heel bone. Heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis and may cause discomfort or sharp pain during walking or running.
Tendonitis
Inflammation or small tears in the tendons of the foot, often due to repetitive movements, overuse, or improper support.
Common types include Achilles tendonitis, which affects the tendon along the back of the ankle, and extensor tendonitis, which occurs on the top of the foot.
Fractures or Injuries
Stress fractures, sprains, or traumatic injuries to the foot or ankle can result in lingering pain or discomfort if they do not heal properly. Persistent symptoms may indicate incomplete recovery or underlying complications, requiring medical attention.
If you are unsure about the cause of your discomfort, meeting with a foot and ankle doctor in Port Charlotte, FL, is the best way to identify what is happening.
How Can a Foot and Ankle Doctor in Port Charlotte, FL, Help You
Orthopedic specialists for the foot and ankle are equipped with the knowledge and tools to manage a wide range of conditions. At Advanced Orthopedic Center’s foot and ankle center in Port Charlotte, FL, doctors take a comprehensive approach to treatment that may involve:
1. Expert Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective foot and ankle pain treatment. Doctors at Advanced Orthopedic Center use advanced diagnostic tools like X-rays, MRI scans, and physical examinations to identify the root cause of the issue.
These methods allow for a comprehensive understanding of the problem, whether it is a structural deformity, soft tissue injury, or an underlying medical condition.
2. Customized Treatment Plans
Treatment plans are tailored to address each patient’s unique condition, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Depending on the diagnosis, options may include:
- Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches to improve mobility, strength, and flexibility.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling.
- Orthotic Devices: Custom insoles, braces, or splints to support and realign the foot and ankle.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: Corticosteroid injections to relieve inflammation and provide lasting pain relief.
These options are designed to provide relief, improve function, and prevent further complications.
3. Surgical Interventions
In severe or advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem. Surgical procedures can address a variety of issues, such as:
- Bunion Correction: Realigning the joint to restore normal function and reduce pain.
- Tissue Removal: Removing scar tissue, damaged cartilage, or other obstructions.
- Reconstruction: Repairing or reconstructing bones, tendons, or ligaments for better stability and mobility.
A foot and ankle specialist at Advanced Orthopedic Center can guide you through the diagnostic process, recommend the most effective treatments, and help minimize recovery time while restoring optimal function.
When Should You See an Orthopedic Specialist
If foot pain does not improve after rest or basic home care, it is time to see a foot and ankle doctor. Symptoms that warrant immediate attention include:
- Intense or worsening pain
- Swelling, redness, or warmth
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Numbness or tingling
- Pain that lasts longer than two weeks
Choosing the right orthopedic specialist ensures you receive professional care tailored to your unique situation.
Tips for Managing Foot Pain at Home
While specialized care is crucial, there are also steps you can take at home to manage discomfort:
- Wear supportive, comfortable shoes with proper arch support.
- Avoid walking barefoot, especially on hard surfaces.
- Use ice on the affected area for 15-20 minutes to reduce inflammation.
- Elevate your foot to control swelling.
- Stretch your foot daily to relieve tension in ligaments and muscles.
However, if home remedies do not resolve the issue, speak to a foot and ankle doctor in Port Charlotte, FL, without delay to prevent more serious complications.
Foot and Ankle Doctor in Port Charlotte, FL
If you are tired of living with foot pain, visiting a highly-rated foot and ankle center of Advanced Orthopedic Center, is an essential step toward recovery.
Here is what sets the professionals at Advanced Orthopedic Center apart:
- Comprehensive care under one roof, including diagnostic services and physical therapy.
- Customized solutions designed to fit your lifestyle and health goals.
- Advanced treatments using the latest technology and minimally invasive techniques.
- Patient-focused approach, ensuring maximum comfort and satisfaction.
By consulting our board-certified foot and ankle doctor, Dr. Steven Anthony, you can access world-class care close to home.
Call us at (941) 629-6262 or fill out our appointment request form to schedule your consultation with one of our orthopedic providers. We look forward to serving you!
