Your feet and ankles are a complex of bones, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and more. In constant use, they are subject to common foot and ankle problems, and well as acute and repetitive injuries and the effects of chronic conditions, such as diabetes.
At Advanced Orthopedic Center in Port Charlotte, our expert foot and ankle physician and his team treat many common foot and ankle problems for patients of all ages. Here is more information on assessing and treating just some of those conditions.
Your Foot and Ankle Examination at Our Foot and Ankle Center
Your in-office consultation with our foot and ankle physician begins with a discussion of the symptoms you are experiencing and, if applicable, the circumstances surrounding your injury. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, including foot and ankle conditions, which may run in your family. Plus, you will tell him what strategies you have tried at home to treat your condition or injury.
The doctor will examine the problem area, ask you to walk, and perform X-rays and other imaging as needed. With a firm diagnosis, he can recommend treatments to manage or heal your condition, improve your mobility, and handle any pain you may be experiencing.
The conditions we commonly see and treat include the following:
Neuromas
Neuromas are growths that develop when the tissue surrounding a nerve thickens. They typically cause a fair amount of foot pain. Neuromas form in various areas of the foot, but they most often affect nerves between the toes.
Your foot and ankle expert may treat neuromas with various strategies, including physical therapy, injection therapy, and, in severe cases, surgery. Early treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and also improve foot and ankle health and function.
Foot and Ankle Fractures
Trauma, falls, and repetitive stress cause foot and ankle fractures. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling and difficulty bearing weight.
Rolling the foot and ankle is a common cause of both ankle sprains and fractures. Our foot and ankle provider is experienced in diagnosing and treating fractures with casting, walking boots and surgical reconstruction when necessary.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the tissue which runs along the arch of the foot between the toes and the heel. This painful problem makes walking and standing still a real challenge as this thick band of connective tissue becomes increasingly irritated. Heel spurs frequently develop as well.
Usually, customized shoe orthotics correct the gait problems that cause plantar fasciitis. Surgical release of the plantar fascia is a rare but available option.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe. This condition–most common among women–may stem from heredity, cramped shoes with pointed toe boxes or even arthritis.
Bunions can cause some discomfort when walking. If left untreated, this foot pain could become chronic and severe. We offer both surgical and non-surgical options to remove bunions, correct toe alignment, and relieve discomfort.
Hammertoes
Hammertoes are foot deformities in which one or more toes are permanently bent at the middle joints, creating a hammer-like toe shape. This odd configuration makes it difficult to comfortably wear shoes of all kinds.
Muscle imbalances, genetics or wearing very narrow shoes can create painful hammer toes. Our orthopedic practice offers a variety of treatment options, including splinting, physical therapy and surgical correction.
Diabetic Foot Disease
Diabetic wounds and deformities, such as Charcot foot, limit the mobility and health of people with diabetes. In fact, if lower extremity issues related to diabetes are not quickly addressed, they can lead to serious health complications and even amputation.
To combat diabetic foot disease, we recommend regular visits with your PCP and your foot and ankle specialist. Plus, patients should regularly bathe and inspect their lower extremities at home and come in for check-ups if they see or experience:
- Pain
- Persistent numbness and tingling
- Changes in foot shape and skin color and texture
- Sore spots which do not heal
- Limited range of motion and ability to ambulate or even bear weight
Your Foot and Ankle Center in Port Charlotte, FL
If you have foot and ankle-related issues and are looking for a reputable foot and ankle center in and around Port Charlotte, Florida, visit us here at Advanced Orthopedic Center. Our reputable center has a highly trained and skilled physician, Dr. Steven Anthony, who is committed to treating your unique foot and ankle issues and helping you get back on your feet faster.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms we noted above, contact us for an appointment with Dr. Anthony at (941) 629-6262. We are devoted to your foot and ankle health!
