Foot and ankle care for active people

Is it normal to have pain in the foot or ankle?

• No. Pain or discomfort is not normal. It signals a problem that needs to be evaluated, diagnosed and treated by a specialist who fully understands this part of the body.
• The foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, and 19 muscles and tendons. Feet hold us up and absorb the shock of each step, and the way your foot is structured affects other areas such as your back.

Does seeing a foot and ankle surgeon mean surgery?

• No. Foot and ankle surgeons are trained to make all reasonable efforts to treat foot and ankle problems non-surgically if at all possible.
• Surgery is recommended only if other options are not feasible or do not adequately relieve the problem.
• A foot and ankle surgeon is a podiatric physician who holds a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, completes four years of podiatric medical school and typically three years of residency in foot and ankle surgery.

Reasons to see a foot and ankle specialist

• An injury such as a sprain or broken bone
• Swelling in your foot or ankle
• A medical condition such as diabetes or poor circulation that can affect the feet
• Impaired ability to function in certain activities
• Heel pain in the morning
• Any painful condition of the foot, ankle or lower leg
• Discomfort after standing for a while
• Changes in the appearance of your foot or ankle
• An abnormal growth

Conditions treated

• Bunions and hammertoes
• Heel pain, including plantar fasciitis
• Flatfoot and foot or ankle arthritis
• Sports injuries and tendon disorders
• Fractures and ankle sprains
• Diabetes-related foot complications
• Ingrown toenails, neuromas, skin conditions and tingling feet

SLMA Podiatry clinic: 1224 David Drive, Suite 103, Morgan City, LA 70380. Call 985-385-2616.

How this connects to sports medicine

• Running, court and field sports load the foot and ankle every stride, so heel pain, Achilles pain, shin pain and repeat ankle sprains are common reasons athletes are referred.
• Primary Care Sports Medicine handles evaluation, non-surgical treatment and return-to-play planning, and works with SLMA Podiatry when a foot or ankle problem needs specialist care.
• Shoe wear matters: replace running shoes around every 300 to 500 miles and wear court shoes for pickleball and racquet sports.