If you have an ankle problem that is causing you pain or reduced function, it may be time to seek the expertise of an ankle surgeon. Some ankle injuries, such as a mild sprain, should get better without medical intervention, but others may require further investigation and treatment in order to heal successfully.
The Role Of An Ankle Surgeon
An ankle surgeon has a comprehensive understanding of the complex network of blood vessels, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones that make up the foot and ankle. They have extensive training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of many foot and ankle conditions affecting patients of all ages, and can provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for different conditions, such as complex disorders and injuries. They are also able to detect the early stages of diseases that may cause symptoms in the lower extremities, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis.
An ankle surgeon uses both non-surgical and surgical methods to treat injuries and conditions. For some ankle conditions, such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or severe arthritis, surgery may be unavoidable. Your surgeon will always try to treat your condition or injury non-surgically when possible.
When To Seek Advice
Sometimes, it may be obvious when to seek medical advice about an ankle condition or injury, but at other times, it can be less clear. It is advisable to see an ankle surgeon if you have persistent problems, even if you are able to tolerate your symptoms, to ensure your condition doesn’t get worse. You should visit an ankle surgeon if:
- Symptoms don’t improve with rest and ice application
- Pain, redness, or swelling around the ankle gets worse
- You experience pain or discomfort, even while resting the ankle
- You have a reduced range of motion in the ankle
- There are changes in the appearance of your foot or ankle
- You experience tingling or numbness regularly in your feet
- Standing, walking, or bearing weight is causing pain or becoming difficult
- You have an abnormal growth on the ankle or foot
- Symptoms are affecting your ability to do activities that you could easily do before
Some symptoms can indicate a serious condition, such as a broken bone or dislocation, and will require immediate treatment. Examples include severe pain, swelling, and bruising around a joint, an obvious deformity, and the inability to move your foot or ankle normally.
An ankle surgeon can treat a number of conditions affecting the ankle, including:
- Ankle sprains
- Arthritis
- Ankle fractures
- Ankle instability
- Ankle impingement (inflammation of bone or soft tissue at the front or back of the ankle)
- Arthrofibrosis (scar tissue within the ankle)
- Infection of the joint space
- Loose cartilage, bone, and scar tissue
- Osteochondral defects (damaged cartilage and bone in the ankle joint)
- Synovitis (inflammation of the soft tissue lining of the ankle joint)
- Sports injuries
- Tendon and joint pain
- Generalized ankle pain
Treatment Modalities
Treatment will depend on the cause and severity of your ankle problem. Your ankle surgeon will work with you to find the root cause of your ankle pain and create a personalized treatment plan designed to get you back on your feet as soon as possible. Nonsurgical treatment methods may include medication, joint injections, physical therapy, sports medicine, custom orthotics, specialist diabetic foot care, casting, and shockwave therapy. Surgery may be necessary if nonsurgical treatments fail to work successfully or for severe conditions causing significant pain and impaired function and mobility.
Foot and ankle surgeons have the expertise to carry out sophisticated procedures for the full spectrum of foot and ankle-related problems, such as arthroscopic surgery and minimally invasive procedures, which have many advantages over traditional surgical methods, such as smaller incisions, fewer complications, less pain and stiffness after surgery, and a faster recovery period.
Foot And Ankle Surgeons In Cincinnati
If you have ankle pain, talk to the podiatrists at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care. We are committed to providing the highest quality podiatric care to patients of all ages. Our foot and ankle surgeons provide comprehensive care for all types of injuries and conditions. We offer convenient office hours with extended evening appointments at most of our locations, as well as same-day appointments for urgent concerns.
Whatever your podiatric needs may be, we are here to help. To find out more about the services we provide or to schedule a consultation, call us at the location nearest you or use our convenient appointment request form.
