Foot & Ankle Pain

• Ankle Pain
• Foot Fractures
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Ankle Sprains
• Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Spurs
• Neuromas

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Ankle Pain in Ankeny and Des Moines, IA

Ankle pain can be caused by trauma, deformity, arthritis, or other factors. When your ankle hurts it can cause many problems with your gait and be frustrating to deal with. Your foot and ankle doctor at Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa is here to help. We will begin with x-rays prior to performing an exam. On examination, your foot and ankle doctor will assess the ankle bones, ligaments, and tendons. Following the examination, your foot and ankle doctor will discuss their findings and your treatment options. These may include oral medication, topical medication, braces, or other treatment options.

Foot Fractures in Ankeny and Des Moines, IA

There are 28 bones in one foot and fracture of the foot bones is common. There are different types of fractures which may occur in the foot. One common type of fracture is a stress fracture. Stress fractures are a type of fracture which is caused by repetitive force on the bone, typically overuse, or may be caused by normal force on the foot with osteoporotic (softened) bone or a foot deformity. Symptoms typically begin as pain within a specific spot on the foot, but with rest decrease. You may notice swelling around the area. When you see your foot doctor, they will begin with x-rays followed by an examination of your foot and ankle. There are different treatment options for a stress fracture of your foot. Your foot doctor will discuss these options with you, which may include utilizing a walking boot, possible surgical intervention for foot and ankle deformity, and/or bone health supplementation.

Achilles Tendonitis in Ankeny and Des Moines, IA

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the muscles of the calf to the heel. Achilles tendonitis is caused by overuse of the tissues of the muscles and tendon. Those at higher risk for Achilles tendonitis are runners engaged in intense training and middle-aged people who participate in sports on occasion. When the tendon is injured or inflamed due to overuse or deformity, it can cause pain. The common signs and symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain in the back of your heel or ankle region, stiffness or tenderness to the tendon, weakness, and swelling. If left untreated, Achilles tendonitis can become a chronic problem and lead to degeneration of the tendon, placing those at higher risk for Achilles Tendon rupture.

Ankle Sprains in Ankeny and Des Moines, IA

Ankle sprains can occur when your ankle twists or turns into an abnormal position causing the ligaments that hold the ankle and leg bones together to be stretched or torn. This will cause pain, swelling, bruising of the foot and ankle and difficulty walking. The most common ligament injured with a sprain is the outside ankle ligaments as they are the weakest. When an ankle sprain first happens, the best thing to begin is RICE therapy – rest, ice, compression and elevation. After that, contact Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa for an evaluation of your injury.

Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Spurs in Ankeny and Des Moines, IA

Plantar Fasciitis is a pain in the bottom of the heel which is typically caused by overpronation (over flattening of the foot) increasing strain on the plantar fascia. The pain is typically on the inside of the heel or on the bottom of the heel, worse with the first steps in the morning or after rest, and worse when barefoot. This is due to strain, inflammation, and sometimes tears at the attachment site of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a ligament which helps support the arch of the foot. Over the day as you walk, the plantar fascia is continually irritated and causes pain and inflammation.

Neuromas in Ankeny and Des Moines, IA

A neuroma is a benign tumor of nerve tissue. The most common location of a neuroma in the foot is in-between the metatarsal heads, however it can occur at other areas in the foot. The symptoms of a neuroma can include pain, electric shock sensations, numbness, tingling, or burning pain that can extend into the toes or back into the foot. It can also cause feelings of walking on a rock or having your sock bunched up under your foot.