When you injure your ankle, the first thing you may think is to rest it and give it time to heal. However, if the injury doesn’t improve or gets worse, you may need to see a foot and ankle surgeon. A foot and ankle surgeon is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases of the feet and ankles. They can help you get back to your everyday activities quickly. If you’re experiencing any pain or swelling in your feet or ankles, make an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon in Alamo Heights today. Here, we look at some signs that you may need foot surgery.
Lack of Mobility
Naturally, you should be able to move your ankle in all directions. If you find that you can’t move it as much as you used to, or if it’s painful to move it, you may need foot surgery. A foot and ankle surgeon can help diagnose the issue and recommend the best treatment plan.
Pain
It is normal to experience pain in your foot when you stumble or trip over something. You may also feel some pain after intense activity or if you have been wearing the same shoes for a long time, but this fades away after a day or two. However, if the pain is persistent and doesn’t disappear, you may need surgery. A foot and ankle surgeon can help you find the source of the pain and recommend the best treatment plan.
Swelling
Your foot would swell due to various reasons. It may swell after an injury, during pregnancy, or if you have a chronic condition such as diabetes. Swelling can be a sign that there is something wrong with your foot and ankle and may need surgery. A foot and ankle surgeon can help you find the source of the swelling and recommend the best treatment plan.
You Have a Problem That Medications Have Failed to Treat
When you have problems such as bunions, hammertoes, or heel spurs, your doctor may recommend medications as the first line of treatment. However, if the medications don’t work, you may need surgery. A foot and ankle surgeon can help diagnose the problem and recommend the best treatment plan.
You Have Pain That Stops You From Sleeping
Some forms of foot pain are mild enough to allow you to get enough sleep at night. However, more aggressive foot problems such as hammertoe, neuroma, and the bunion can cause so much pain that you can’t sleep. If you cannot get a good night’s sleep because of foot pain, you may need surgery. A foot and ankle surgeon can help diagnose the problem and recommend the best treatment plan.
You Have Pain Triggered by Cold or Rain
Some foot problems only occur when the weather is bad. For example, you may get pain in your feet when it’s cold outside or if you walk in the rain. If you have a problem that only occurs when bad weather, you may need surgery. A foot and ankle surgeon can help diagnose the problem and recommend the best treatment plan.
In summary, if you are experiencing any of the signs above, you should make an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon. They can help you find the source of the problem and recommend the best treatment plan.