Understanding Foot & Ankle Conditions
The foot and ankle contain 26 bones and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to provide support, balance, and mobility. At Precision Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our podiatry team serves patients across Maryland and the DC Metro Area, specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions from plantar fasciitis and bunions to complex ankle reconstruction and diabetic foot care.
Symptoms, Conditions & Treatment
Some common symptoms of foot and ankle conditions include pain or swelling that worsens with walking or standing, stiffness in the foot or ankle, and difficulty bearing weight. Other symptoms to watch for include:
- Pain or swelling that worsens with walking or standing
- Stiffness in the foot or ankle
- Heel pain that is worst in the morning
- Arch pain or tenderness
- Numbness, burning, or tingling in the foot
- Visible deformity such as a bunion or hammertoe
Some common conditions of the foot and ankle include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, bunions, and ankle sprains. Other conditions include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy and tears
- Bunions (hallux valgus)
- Ankle sprains and chronic instability
- Ankle arthritis
- Stress fractures
- Diabetic foot complications
Some common treatment options for foot and ankle conditions include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), custom orthotics, and physical therapy. Surgical options include:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Custom orthotics and supportive footwear
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Bunion correction surgery
- Achilles tendon repair
- Ankle fracture fixation
- Foot and ankle fusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Seek immediate medical care if you have signs of an infection such as foul smelling drainage, color changes in your skin (especially dark/black skin near a wound that may signify gangrene), fever/chills, or increased swelling/pain/warmth in your foot or ankle.
Some simpler procedures such as excisions or debridements can be done in the office and have minimal recovery times.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Improvement in 6 to 12 weeks with conservative care.
- Bunion Surgery: Surgical shoe for 4 to 6 weeks; regular footwear at 6 to 8 weeks; full recovery 3 to 6 months.
- Ankle Fracture Fixation: Non-weight-bearing for 4 to 6 weeks; full recovery 3 to 4 months.
- Achilles Tendon Repair: Boot for 6 to 8 weeks; return to activity at 4 to 6 months.
- Foot and Ankle Fusion: Non-weight-bearing for up to 3 months; return to light activity at 4 to 6 months; 6 to 12 months full recovery.
Our Foot & Ankle Team
Our Clinics Where We Treat Foot and Ankle Conditions