FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN

Foot and ankle pain can strike at any time, affecting your ability to work, exercise, or perform other routine tasks. Fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon, David Larson, DPM, provides complete care for foot and ankle pain. After identifying the underlying cause, Dr. Larson can make custom care recommendations. To make an appointment, call the office in Mesa or Phoenix, Arizona, or request an appointment online today.

What is foot and ankle pain?

Foot and ankle pain refers to inflammation, stiffness, or discomfort that affects any part of your lower extremities, like the heels, arches, or the balls of your feet. Everyone experiences foot and ankle pain occasionally, but if your symptoms continue, even after at-home treatments, like ice and rest, contact Dr. Larson immediately.

What causes foot and ankle pain?

Dr. Larson diagnoses and treats various problems that cause foot and ankle pain, including:

• Bursitis
• Fractures
• Sprains
• Tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Corns
• Calluses
• Bunions
• Warts
• Ingrown toenails
• Hammertoes
• Athlete’s foot
• Fallen arches
• Gout

You might also experience foot pain because of plantar fasciitis, an overuse injury characterized by chronic heel pain and mobility problems.

When should I see a doctor about foot and ankle pain?

Make an appointment with Dr. Larson if you experience foot or ankle pain that lasts for more than a week. If your symptoms continue or worsen after conservative treatments, like ice, rest, and elevation, you might also need podiatric care. Early intervention and treatment can prevent the issue from progressing and reduce the risk of complications.

How are foot and ankle pain diagnosed?

To diagnose foot and ankle pain, Dr. Larson reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the pain started, where it occurs, and if it extends into your legs or other parts of your body. Next, he completes a physical exam, checking your feet and ankles for redness, swelling, or bruising. Dr. Larson also presses on different places to check for sensitive areas. Lastly, he orders X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to get a closer look at your bones, joints, and the surrounding soft tissues.

How are foot and ankle pain treated?

Treatment of foot and ankle pain depends on several things, including your age, the underlying cause, and the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Larson usually recommends conservative and minimally invasive treatments, like:

• Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication
• Custom orthotics
• Braces and splints
• Joint aspiration
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections

If minimally invasive treatments don’t provide lasting relief, Dr. Larson might recommend surgery. He performs both traditional open and minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery, including flatfoot correction and total ankle replacement. To learn more about foot and ankle pain relief, call the practice of David Larson, DPM, or request an appointment online today.