Understanding Foot & Ankle Conditions
The foot and ankle contain 26 bones and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to provide support, balance, and mobility. At Precision Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our podiatry team serves patients across Maryland and the DC Metro Area, specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions from plantar fasciitis and bunions to complex ankle reconstruction and diabetic foot care.
Common Symptoms, Conditions & Treatment Options for Foot & Ankle Pain
Symptoms
- Pain or swelling that worsens with walking or standing
- Stiffness in the foot or ankle
- Heel pain that is worst in the morning
- Arch pain or tenderness
- Numbness, burning, or tingling in the foot
- Visible deformity such as a bunion or hammertoe
Conditions
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy and tears
- Bunions (hallux valgus)
- Ankle sprains and chronic instability
- Ankle arthritis
- Stress fractures
- Diabetic foot complications
Treatment Options
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Custom orthotics and supportive footwear
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Bunion correction surgery
- Achilles tendon repair
- Ankle fracture fixation
- Foot and ankle fusion
Frequently Asked Questions
See a Precision foot and ankle specialist if you cannot bear weight on your foot or ankle, pain persists for more than 1 to 2 weeks, interferes with walking or standing, involves swelling or deformity, or if you have diabetes and develop a foot wound or sore.
Seek immediate medical care if you have signs of an infection such as foul smelling drainage, color changes in your skin (especially dark/black skin near a wound that may signify gangrene), fever/chills, or increased swelling/pain/warmth in your foot or ankle.
Seek immediate medical care if you have signs of an infection such as foul smelling drainage, color changes in your skin (especially dark/black skin near a wound that may signify gangrene), fever/chills, or increased swelling/pain/warmth in your foot or ankle.
Yes, many of our foot and ankle providers provide diabetic foot care.
Non-surgical treatment can include: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) with activity modification Physical therapy Specialized footwear/orthotics (can be custom made) including bracing Anti-inflammatory medications.
Some simpler procedures such as excisions or debridements can be done in the office and have minimal recovery times.
Some simpler procedures such as excisions or debridements can be done in the office and have minimal recovery times.
We perform many of our surgeries at Charles Regional Surgical Center, and at many leading hospitals across Maryland.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Improvement in 6 to 12 weeks with conservative care.
- Bunion Surgery: Surgical shoe for 4 to 6 weeks; regular footwear at 6 to 8 weeks; full recovery 3 to 6 months.
- Ankle Fracture Fixation: Non-weight-bearing for 4 to 6 weeks; full recovery 3 to 4 months.
- Achilles Tendon Repair: Boot for 6 to 8 weeks; return to activity at 4 to 6 months.
- Foot and Ankle Fusion: Non-weight-bearing for up to 3 months; return to light activity at 4 to 6 months; 6 to 12 months full recovery.
Most ankle sprains heal with rest, bracing, and physical therapy. Surgery may be recommended for severe sprains with complete ligament tears or for chronic ankle instability that does not respond to rehabilitation.