What Causes Foot & Ankle Pain? What Can Be Done?

Foot and ankle pain can be caused by many different conditions or injuries. Some of the most common include:

• Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes (the plantar fascia) can cause pain in the bottom of the foot.
• Sprains & Strains: Injuries to the muscles and ligaments in the foot or ankle can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
• Bunions: A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It can cause pain and stiffness in the toe.
• Achilles Tendinitis: Overuse or repetitive movements can irritate the Achilles tendon, causing discomfort and potential weakness.
• Stress Fractures: Small breaks in bones caused by repeated stress or overuse can result in pain and tenderness.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout can all affect the joints of the foot and ankle, causing pain and stiffness.
• Gout: This form of arthritis occurs when uric acid builds up in joints, leading to sudden and severe pain in the foot or ankle.
• Flat Feet: People with flat feet often experience pain in the arch of their foot due to lack of support and stability.

Symptoms of foot and ankle pain can include swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or difficulty bearing weight. It’s crucial to seek treatment from a specialist to prevent further damage and improve your quality of life.

At Great Lakes Orthopedics, Dr. Martini offers individualized treatment plans for all types of foot and ankle pain. Our services include:

• Physical Therapy: Our physical therapists will design an exercise program to help you regain strength, mobility, and flexibility in your foot or ankle.
• Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts can provide support and relieve pressure on specific areas of the foot.
• Surgery: In cases where conservative treatments are not effective, Dr. Martini may recommend minimally invasive surgical procedures to alleviate pain and improve function.

No matter the cause of your foot or ankle pain, our team at Great Lakes Orthopedics is dedicated to finding the best treatment plan for you. With our advanced techniques and personalized care, we can help you get back on your feet and back to doing the activities you love.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes can cause complications that increase your risk for foot problems, including nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) and poor blood flow. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing serious foot problems due to reduced sensation and circulation in the feet. You might not feel small injuries like cuts, blisters, or sores, which can worsen over time if unnoticed. Poor blood flow also means wounds may heal slowly, increasing the risk of infections or complications like ulcers and, in severe cases, the need for surgery or amputation.

Early detection and proactive care are critical in preventing serious complications. Regular checkups with a foot and ankle specialist can help identify and treat problems before they become severe.

At Great Lakes Orthopedics, we understand the unique challenges of diabetic foot care and provide comprehensive treatments to help you maintain your foot health and mobility.Our team provides specialized diabetic foot care to help you stay healthy and active. Services include:

• Routine Exams: Regular checkups to monitor your foot health and identify any issues early.
• Wound Care: Expert treatment for ulcers, infections, or injuries to promote faster healing.
• Preventive Education: Guidance on proper footwear, hygiene, and at-home foot care to protect your feet from damage.

If you’re living with diabetes, taking care of your feet is essential to maintaining your overall health and quality of life. Schedule an appointment with our foot and ankle specialists today to ensure your feet are in the best possible hands.

Custom Orthotics

When your feet are not properly supported, it can lead to discomfort and pain not only in your feet but also in your ankles, knees, hips, and even your back. Custom orthotics are a simple yet highly effective solution designed to provide the support your feet need, improve alignment, and relieve pain. At Great Lakes Orthopedics, we specialize in creating custom orthotics tailored to your unique needs, helping you move more comfortably and confidently.

Custom orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts made to match the specific shape and structure of your feet. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, which are one-size-fits-all, custom orthotics are crafted based on a detailed assessment of your feet, gait, and overall biomechanics. These devices can help address a variety of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, arthritis, and more.

Custom orthotics offer targeted support and relief, helping to:

• Improve foot and ankle alignment.
• Relieve pressure on sensitive areas.
• Reduce pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and hips.
• Prevent further damage or progression of foot-related conditions.

Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve performance or someone managing chronic foot pain, custom orthotics can be a game-changer.