Orthopedic foot and ankle problems include bursitis, ankle sprains, and arthritis. Persistent discomfort should be reported to a doctor. Treatment methods vary and can include surgery, medication, and home remedies. Arthritis can be caused by genetics, aging, or orthopedic damage.
The most common orthopedic foot and ankle problems are bursitis, ankle sprains, and various forms of arthritis. These problems also have a number of other causes, and any persistent or unmanageable discomfort should be reported to a doctor immediately to avoid further damage. Multiple tests and exams may be needed before the primary source of pain can be diagnosed. Some of the conditions that cause pain can be treated with home remedies, but others require medical or surgical treatment.
A bunion can cause extreme pain in the foot due to inward movement of the bone behind the big toe, which is closest to the ankle. Movement of this bone usually causes discomfort throughout the foot and ankle. Treatment methods often depend on the severity of the bunion and include icing, specialized bunion pads, or surgery. Surgery for bunions usually involves cutting the bone and moving it, while surgery for severe bunions cutting off part of the bone and rotating it. Recovery from bunion surgery usually takes at least a few weeks, but ultimately depends on the type of surgery and the individual.
A sprained ankle is caused by tearing or overstretching the various surrounding ligaments and usually occurs during excessive movement, especially during exercise and sports. Torn ligaments generally cause a throbbing sensation in the ankle as it travels through the foot. Medical attention is almost always needed to ensure that no further complications, such as a serious foot injury or bone fracture, are present. Treatment can vary depending on the severity of the orthopedic foot and ankle injury, but nonsurgical remedies are most common and include anti-inflammatory medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, foot supports, ice packs, and foot elevations to minimize the swelling. Surgical procedures focus on ligament repair and aftercare is very important to avoid re-injury.
The three main forms of orthopedic arthritis of the foot and ankle are rheumatoid, posttraumatic, and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory disease, occurs when the immune system breaks down bone cartilage. Posttraumatic arthritis can occur, sometimes years, after severe orthopedic damage to the foot and ankle that has resulted in a joint dislocation or fracture. Osteoarthritis is degenerative and gets progressively worse over long periods of time, usually due to genetics, aging, or weak bone structure. Treatments for the aforementioned forms of arthritis include pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, corrective footwear, and other remedies typically done at home.
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