Foot and ankle pain can limit walking, standing, working, exercising, and sports. Symptoms may result from a sudden injury, repetitive stress, arthritis, footwear, tendon disease, or changes in alignment.
Common Causes
Our orthopedic team evaluates ankle sprains and instability, plantar fasciitis, Achilles and other tendon disorders, foot and ankle arthritis, bunions, hammertoes, stress fractures, traumatic fractures, flatfoot, and high-arch problems.
Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, stiffness, weakness, instability, or difficulty bearing weight. Heel pain with the first steps after getting out of bed commonly occurs with plantar fasciitis. Pain and swelling after a sudden activity increase may represent a tendon injury or stress fracture.
Evaluation
The provider examines gait, motion, strength, alignment, stability, and tenderness. Footwear and activity patterns may provide useful information. Same-day X-rays may be completed in the office. Standing or weight-bearing views can help assess alignment, arthritis, deformity, and fractures. MRI or CT may be ordered externally when needed.
Treatment
Many conditions improve with activity modification, supportive footwear, bracing, a walking boot, physical therapy, medication, or orthotics. A corticosteroid injection may be appropriate for selected conditions but is not suitable for every source of foot or ankle pain.
Surgery may be considered for unstable fractures, complete tendon tears, painful deformity, or symptoms that remain limiting. Available surgical services include bunionectomy, Achilles tendon repair, and fracture fixation.
When to Seek Treatment
Schedule an evaluation for persistent pain, repeated instability, progressive deformity, or difficulty walking. Seek urgent treatment for deformity, an open or deep wound, or inability to bear weight after injury. A pale, blue, numb, or unusually cool foot requires immediate evaluation. Increasing redness, warmth, drainage, or fever may indicate infection.
Locations
Our orthopedic team provides evaluation and treatment at clinics in New Braunfels, Seguin, Cuero, Kenedy, Hallettsville, and Yoakum. Services and provider availability vary by location.
