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Ankle and Foot Care

Ankle and Foot Care

Experiencing pain in your foot or ankle can sideline you for days, hindering your ability to play sports, work, or perform daily activities. Without proper treatment, these issues can worsen over time. Fortunately, our specialized foot and ankle doctors are here to evaluate and diagnose your discomfort, offering effective treatment options to relieve your pain and restore your mobility.

Find a Doctor

If this is a medical emergency, dial 911 immediately or visit one of OAK’s OrthoAccess Immediate Care locations.

Should I See an Orthopedic Surgeon or Podiatrist for Ankle and Foot Care?

At OAK Orthopedics, both our orthopedic surgeons (MDs) and podiatrists (DPMs) have extensive training in foot and ankle care. However, some conditions may be better suited to one specialist than another. Let us  help you schedule an appointment with the most appropriate doctor for your specific condition or injury.

Consult with an expert at the medical office or clinic of your choice.

Conditions, Disorders, and Injuries

Foot specialists, podiatrists, and ankle doctors see patients for many different ailments, including problems with the ankle, toes, and foot. Below are some of the most common causes of foot and ankle pain:

Foot Conditions

  • Arthritis
  • Bunions
  • Foot conditions related to diabetes
  • Foot injuries stemming from sports or exercise
  • Fractures
  • Heel pain
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Torn ligaments

Ankle Conditions

  • Ankle arthritis
  • Ankle deformity
  • Ankle fractures
  • Ankle replacement
  • Ankle sprains
  • Injury from sports or exercise
  • Ligament damage
  • Plantar fasciitis

No matter the cause of your foot or ankle pain, we encourage you to seek proper care today. Our medical providers are devoted to your health, helping you establish the right diagnosis of your condition. When you visit our office, you can expect a full medical evaluation, which may involve X-rays or other forms of imaging.

Many foot and ankle problems can be remedied in the office or with the use of heat, ice, compression, bracing, or pain medication. In more severe cases, surgery may be required. Our doctors can advise you on the specific form of surgery you may need to minimize your pain and discomfort.

Ankle and Foot Treatments

If surgery is ultimately the best option, there are many different surgical procedures available for both foot and ankle issues. Following any kind of foot or ankle procedure, you can expect to spend a few days resting and recovering. Your foot or ankle surgeon can advise you on the specifics, but generally, ice will be recommended to keep swelling down, and pain medication can be administered as needed. You may also need physical therapy to ensure a smooth healing process.

During the recovery period, medication can be administered to minimize discomfort, and ice is recommended to control swelling. The worst of the pain will subside after just a couple of days, though it may be a matter of weeks before you're back to full mobility. Physical therapy typically begins within a day or two of your procedure and is an important way to ensure your body is healing quickly and properly.

Specializing in What Moves You at OAK Orthopedics

At OAK Orthopedics, our world-class team of orthopedic experts is devoted to providing customized treatment plans focused on each patient's individual needs and goals.

Our specialty-trained foot and ankle doctors have extensive experience in treating a variety of foot and ankle conditions and injuries. Nonsurgical methods will always be recommended first before considering surgery. However, there are situations in which conservative treatments will not provide adequate relief, and surgery is the best option to fix the problem. Our surgeons are skilled in performing many surgical procedures for the foot and ankle and utilize state-of-the-art technology in doing so. Rest assured that when you see one of our specialists, you're in the care of the region's most preferred orthopedic providers.

If you have foot or ankle pain that you'd like to have evaluated, we encourage you to contact our team of doctors today at one of our three locations in Bourbonnais, Frankfort, or Watseka or schedule an appointment online with one of our experienced surgeons.

FAQs About Foot and Ankle Care

How Long Should You Wait to See a Doctor About Ankle Pain? How Do I Know if My Foot Pain is Serious?

If you’ve tried home remedies and rest for your foot or ankle pain and it doesn’t improve, you should see a specialist who can diagnose your condition.

Get medical attention right away if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe pain or swelling
  • An open wound or deformity
  • You can’t put weight on your foot or ankle
  • Redness, warmth, or tenderness in the area
  • A fever greater than 100° F (37.8° C)

What Can Cause Ankle Pain Without an Injury?

Ankle pain without a known injury could be caused by a medical condition. Some conditions associated with ankle pain include (but are not limited to):

  • Animal Bites
  • Ankle Arthritis
  • Ankle Cyst
  • Ankle Deformity
  • Bone Tumors
  • Diabetes-Related Issues
  • Failed Ankle Replacement
  • Gout
  • Infections
  • Multicentric Carpotarsal Osteolysis Syndrome
  • Nerve Conditions
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

An experienced foot and ankle doctor can diagnose what is causing your pain and recommend the right ankle care plan for your condition.

What Are Signs You Might Have Arthritis in Your Ankles? What Does Ankle Arthritis Feel Like?

The most common types of arthritis that affect the foot and ankle are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis. The symptoms vary depending on which joint is affected, but an arthritic joint will be painful and inflamed in most cases.

Symptoms typically develop over time and can include:

  • Pain with movement
  • Increased pain after vigorous activity
  • Tenderness
  • Swelling, warmth, and redness around the joint
  • Increased pain or swelling in the morning

How Does Weight Affect the Health of Your Feet and Ankles?

Every extra pound of weight you carry puts that much more pressure on the weight-bearing joints in your feet and ankles. Because of this, overweight and obese people are at higher risk for foot and ankle conditions and injuries, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Tendinitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Ankle Arthritis
  • Gout

What Are Some Causes of Foot Pain at Night?

Foot pain that feels worse at night could be caused by several foot injuries or conditions, including peripheral neuropathy or a pinched nerve. The best way to find out what is causing your pain is to get a proper diagnosis from an experienced podiatrist who can recommend an advanced foot care plan.

Related Resources

Check out this collection of videos for more information about some of the most common problems diagnosed and treated by OAK’s ankle and foot care specialists.

Why Choose OAK’s Ankle and Foot Specialists

Why Choose OAK’s Ankle and Foot Specialists

At OAK, our ankle and feet care specialists combine their deep knowledge and expertise with compassion and care for each patient’s unique needs. We listen to your concerns and provide a comprehensive range of procedures and treatments for your injury or chronic pain.

Find a specialist, schedule an appointment today, and get on a path to recovery.

Get the Ankle and Foot Care You Need

  • Get Ankle and Foot Pain Relief

    If foot or ankle pain from an injury or chronic condition is holding you back, the expert team at OAK can help.

  • Book an MRI or CT Scan

    Take control of your ankle and foot health by scheduling an appointment for an MRI or CT scan today.

    Call Centralized Scheduling at 855-425-4674. To schedule an appointment in Barrington, call 847-381-0388, ext. 300.



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