Podiatry

At Heartland Orthopedic Specialists, our specialty-trained podiatry doctor is the expert in treating injuries of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity.

Podiatry is a specialized field of medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower extremity.

The muscles, bones, joints, and ligaments in the foot and ankle all work together systematically to allow movement. When even one of these factors becomes injured or inflamed, the result can range from mild pain to complete immobility.

Foot or ankle pain may be the result of a traumatic injury, such as a fracture; an overuse injury, such as Achilles tendonitis (medically referred to as tendinitis); a chronic condition or disease, such as osteoarthritis; or even a deformity, such as a bunion.

It may be time to seek treatment with a specialist if you think you may be suffering from a foot or ankle injury or condition. Consult a podiatrist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of the foot or ankle:

• The sudden onset of intense pain
• Numbness or tingling in the foot or ankle
• Pain in the heel, ball, or arch of the foot
• Pain in the foot or ankle when at rest or when you're NOT bearing weight
• Inability to walk without pain
• Pain that persists or worsens for more than two weeks
• Swelling or tenderness that persists or worsens after two to three days
• Restricted range of motion or immobility due to stiffness, weakness, or swelling

Seek immediate treatment if you develop a fever or if you notice warmth and redness at the site of the injury, as these are signs of an infection.

Injuries and conditions of the foot and ankle typically do not subside without proper treatment due to the constant weight bearing, stress, and frequency of use our feet and ankle endure. A consultation with our expert podiatry specialist is the safest way to distinguish a severe foot or ankle condition from a minor foot or ankle injury.