Your feet and ankles bear the weight of your entire body, keeping you mobile, balanced, and active throughout the day. Yet many people dismiss discomfort and pain in these areas as temporary. These signs may indicate serious underlying issues. Foot and ankle problems can worsen if neglected, which can make it harder to move in the long run.
This article will explain when to consult an orthopedist specializing in foot and ankle disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment can be a big help in managing pain and preventing complications.
1. Chronic or Intense Pain
Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. Some aches are normal, especially after strenuous exercise or standing for long periods. However, chronic or intense pain that does not subside needs immediate attention.
When to Worry About Pain
You can usually treat mild pain at home. However, you should see a bone doctor if the pain stays for several days, even after rest. Long-lasting pain is concerning even if it is mild. Pain that increases over time also indicates a problem.
Sharp, sudden, or shooting pain are also signs you should see a bone doctor. These types of pain might indicate fractures or injuries.
Conditions like plantar fasciitis (heel pain), arthritis, or even fractures may be the cause.
2. Persistent Swelling and Redness
Swelling and redness in the foot and ankle can be signs of inflammation, infection, or injury. Occasional swelling might be normal after prolonged standing or walking. However, persistent swelling combined with redness can indicate more serious issues.
Possible Causes of Swelling and Redness
Swelling and redness have varying causes.
Swelling is the body’s response to injuries, like sudden trauma. Overuse injuries can also cause inflammation. This can create swelling near your tendons or in the fluid-filled sacs around the joints (bursae).
Other health conditions, like arthritis, might also cause inflammation. For example, gout is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup. The buildup causes painful inflammation and redness in the joints.
If you feel warm or have a fever on top of the swelling and redness, you might have an infection. This requires prompt medical intervention. These conditions can escalate and lead to permanent damage if left untreated.
3. Difficulty Walking or Standing
Basic activities like walking, standing, or even balancing on one leg should not feel like a challenge. Many people try to push through discomfort, hoping the issue will resolve on its own. Waiting too long for treatment can lead to long-term damage. If you are struggling with difficulty walking or standing, take it seriously. Consult a specialist if:
- You feel pain or stiffness every time you get out of bed or stand after sitting for extended periods.
- You regularly limp or change your gait to compensate for discomfort.
- Weight-bearing activities become increasingly difficult or painful.
Conditions like flat feet, tendon injuries, and arthritis are usually what cause mobility issues.
4. Numbness or Tingling
Sensation changes, such as numbness or tingling, in the feet should never be ignored. Sensory issues may feel minor. However, they are often linked to nerve or circulatory problems that need medical care.
What Causes Numbness or Tingling in the Feet?
Numbness and tingling sensations are often due to health conditions.
People with diabetes might experience both due to neuropathy. Neuropathy can also cause a burning sensation.
Nerve compression can inhibit the signals your brain sends through your nervous system. You might also have circulation issues that cause numbness.
These sensations can affect balance and increase the risk of falls.
5. Instability or Weakness
Weakness in the foot or ankle can disrupt daily activities and cause an injury. If your ankle gives out often or cannot support your body weight, it may be due to an underlying problem. Your condition might be in your joints, ligaments, or stabilizing structures. Seek help if:
- Your ankle frequently rolls or twists, even on flat surfaces.
- You feel a lack of strength or control in your foot or ankle during movement.
- Previous injuries, such as sprains, have left your foot or ankle feeling unstable.
Chronic instability could be from injuries that did not heal correctly. It can also be because of joint disorders like arthritis.
How Seeing An Orthopedist Can Help
An orthopedist specializing in foot and ankle disorders can give you an accurate diagnosis. They will also provide solutions like orthotics or surgical procedures to restore movement. You might also have to see a physical therapist.
Consulting a specialist ensures you get a correct diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis means that you can get the correct treatment for your condition.
It is also important to remember that not all patients have the same problem. Even if you have the same symptoms, the causes might be different. Visiting an orthopedist means that you get treatment tailored to your needs.
Reliable Orthopedist Specializing In Foot And Ankle Disorders in San Antonio, TX
Your feet and ankles are very important to your quality of life. Never ignore chronic pain, swelling, difficulty walking, numbness, and instability. Timely consultation with an orthopedist specializing in foot and ankle disorders is crucial. You need proper diagnosis and treatment to heal correctly.
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, we provide expert care tailored to your needs. That means you can find relief and recovery every step of the way. If you have felt any of these signs in your daily life, do not wait. Call us at (210) 692-7400, or schedule a consultation today and start your path to a pain-free life.
We look forward to serving you!
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/ankle-instability-causes-and-fixes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/foot-pain-and-problems
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/ankle-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050796
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/whats-causing-those-swollen-feet
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/15295-ankle-pain
