Feet have quite the heavy workload, so it’s understandable they may feel tired, achy and worn down. Walking about 100,000 miles in a lifetime, which the average person does, can have that effect. Feet not only have to hold up an entire body, they have to absorb the shock of every step taken.
Ankles are part of the hind-foot, which helps bear the body’s weight. Since they’re designed to do this job, feet and ankles are tough, but they’re not invincible. In fact, they deserve better care than most people give them. Considering this, it makes sense to get an appointment with the best foot and ankle specialist in Los Angeles for a routine checkup.
Foot Pain
Necessity is another reason to see the best foot and ankle specialist in Los Angeles. Feet are quite complex. Each one has 26 bones, 19 muscles and tendons, 33 joints and more than a hundred ligaments, so it’s not surprising that something can go wrong in body parts with that much complexity. Spraining an ankle, breaking a bone, or feeling pain are obvious signs to see a physician. Foot pain could be a sign of overuse, or it could be a symptom of a bigger problem, such as diabetes or arthritis. Foot and ankle pain always warrants attention, but some pain needs a closer look. Heel pain in the morning? Pain or discomfort after standing longer than normal? These are reasons to consider seeing a doctor.
Discomfort
Pain isn’t the only reason to see a physician. Sometimes, it’s tingling in the feet that signals a problem. There may be an abnormal growth on the foot or changes in the appearance of feet or ankles. From bunions and hammertoes to sports injuries and plantar fasciitis, there are numerous issues people deal with. Other problems include fallen arches, heel spurs and tears in the Achilles tendon. Fortunately, the best foot and ankle specialist in Los Angeles can help find a remedy. Trained to recognize and diagnose foot and ankle problems, the doctor knows how to determine the proper treatment for each patient.
Treatment Options
Typically, nonsurgical treatment is the first consideration. Recommendations might include exercise, orthotics and medication. Patients might enter physical therapy, have injections or get splinting for the affected area. The best foot and ankle specialist in Los Angeles recommends surgery when that is the only or best option. Surgery, if needed, is specific to the type of problem. For example, a patient with ankle arthritis may have ankle fusion or replacement or both. Someone with a damaged ligament may undergo a ligament rebuilding procedure to improve ankle stability. Foot deformities can lead to other foot and ankle problems, so a corrective surgical remedy deals with the current issue and potential ones.
Regardless of the type of foot and ankle issue or the severity of it, it’s important to see a doctor. After all, if possible, it’s better to prevent a problem or fix it before it gets worse. The best foot and ankle specialist in Los Angeles is ready to help.