Signs That You Need to See a Foot and Ankle Specialist

Foot and Ankle Specialist

If you or someone you know is experiencing pain, swelling, or discoloration of the foot and ankle, this article may be helpful. The foot and ankle can be troublesome sites of discomfort for those living with chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, arthritis, and vascular diseases, among other things. These common conditions often go undiagnosed for long periods because the sufferer may not know precisely what they are feeling. This critical article discusses recognizing when you need to seek care from Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates.

1. You Have Chronic Foot or Ankle Pain

If you or someone you know has been experiencing pain in the foot and ankle for over a month, it’s time to seek help. In addition, if your pain worsens as time goes on instead of going away, this could indicate that something is not correct. Many conditions can lead to chronic pain, such as nerve damage, tendonitis, arthritis, and fractures, to name a few. A doctor may make these diagnoses during the initial examination, so it’s best to catch them early.

2. You Have Unexplained Foot or Ankle Swelling

Many conditions can cause foot and ankle swelling, especially high blood pressure, clogged arteries, or diabetes. However, when the swelling does not go away after taking medication or if it is accompanied by pain, you might have an infection in your foot. This is why you need time to visit a foot and ankle specialist, where experts will conduct a thorough examination, including lab work or x-rays.

3. You Have New Shoes But Since Wearing Them Your Foot or Ankle Has Swelling and Pain

Wearing new shoes can be a great experience, especially when they make you feel even more fabulous. However, it’s essential to give your feet time to adjust to them before wearing them for long periods. If you have just purchased a new pair of shoes and within a short period, your foot begins to swell, or you experience pain, this could indicate that the shoes are too small. Don’t panic because seeing our specialists can make all the difference in the world, mainly if they diagnose something more serious such as arthritis, plantar fasciitis, or tendonitis.

4. You Have Muscle Weakness, Foot Drop, or Ankle Instability

Many conditions can lead to muscle weakness in the foot and ankle, including diabetes, stroke, or arthritis, among other things. The muscles of the foot and ankle work together to provide stability for your bones while also absorbing impact after you walk, run, or jump. In addition, you have a group of muscles in your foot called the intrinsic muscles that work together to provide stability and maintain proper positioning of the bones in the foot. If these muscles are not functioning correctly, you can experience various symptoms, including foot drop and ankle instability.

In summary, the foot and ankle can cause a lot of pain, so you need to know when to see a specialist. Some of the most common reasons for visiting a foot and ankle specialist include unexplained swelling or chronic foot or ankle pain. You should also see a specialist if you develop pain or swelling after wearing a new pair of shoes. You may need to schedule an appointment for some people if you have muscle weakness, ankle instability, or foot drop.