Many patients seek orthopaedic care for ankle and foot  problems.  Orthopaedists are specifically trained in the musculoskeletal system, including the diagnosis, treatments, and prevention of problems involving the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and tendons.

The most common causes of ankle and foot  problems are caused by:

• Plantar fascitis
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Arthritis - ankle or foot
• Metatarsalgia (Forefoot pain)
• Fractures - ankle or foot
• Deformities - ankle or foot
• Bunions
• Hammer toes
• Ingrown nails

Determining the source of the pain is essential for an orthopaedist to diagnose the cause of the pain and recommend the correct method of treatment and rehabilitation.  In order for the orthopaedist to do this, he will have to perform an examination to include range of motion of the joints as well as evaluate  function of the nerves and muscles of the ankle and foot. 

The orthopaedist may have to order one or more than one of the following to assist him in making the proper diagnosis:

• X-rays
• MRI
• CT Scan
• Neurometrix

The treatment of ankle and foot pain will depend on what the diagnosis reveals.  Most patients are treated successfully with conservative management which include:

• Stretching
• Antibiotics
• NSAIDS
• Physical Therapy