Foot and Ankle

At OrthoMed, our orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons treat common foot and ankle injuries and conditions. Our team is highly skilled in several treatments and procedures to help with foot and ankle conditions, including the latest developments in orthopedic surgery.

Foot Anatomy

The human foot is made up of 28 bones, 35 joints, 3 arteries, 4 veins, and 5 nerves.

With so many moving parts, it’s no surprise that this complex structure is susceptible to a number of different problems. It thus becomes critical to take good care of our feet to maintain an active lifestyle.

Common Foot Injuries and Conditions

Common Foot Injuries
and Conditions

Bunions

Bunions are one of the most common conditions that affect the feet. They are a deformity at the base of the big toe. They cause pain and discomfort and may get worse over time without treatment. Bunions can only be corrected with surgery, but we also offer nonsurgical treatment options to help alleviate pain and discomfort.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects all body systems as it is a systemic disease. In the feet, it can limit your blood flow, decrease your nerve sensation and cause delayed healing to cuts and blisters, resulting in foot wounds. Commonly, patients end up with these wounds as a result of attempting to trim their toenails and calluses.

If these patients lose feeling in the feet, coupled with poor circulation, it can also lead to very serious infections.

Our orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons are skilled in diabetic foot care and can help patients with the treatment and prevention of foot problems associated with diabetes.

Flat Feet

Flat feet are common and usually painless. You have flat feet when the arch on the inside of your feet is flattened, allowing your entire foot to touch the floor when standing. The condition may occur when the arches don’t develop during childhood. In other cases, flat feet may be caused by an injury or from the simple wear and tear stresses of age. Flat feet can sometimes cause problems in your ankles and knees because the condition can force your ankles to turn inward, which throws off your legs’ alignment. If you aren’t experiencing any pain, treatment is not necessary. However, if you have persistent heel or arch pain, you should get it checked out.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs from the tip of the big toe all the way to the heel. It supports the arch of the foot and absorbs most of the stresses we place on our feet. When plantar fasciitis occurs, the plantar fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain.

Common Ankle Injuries and Conditions

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is a very common injury of the Achilles tendon and is most often seen among athletic patients, particularly runners.

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel and is the largest tendon in the body. It can take on a great deal of stress during many activities, like walking, running, climbing stairs, and jumping. As a result, the Achilles tendon is susceptible to inflammation. This inflammation is known as Achilles tendinitis.

Ankle Arthritis

Ankle arthritis is a degenerative condition that can be just as disabling as hip arthritis. Ankle arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, can cause pain, stiffness, and disability of the ankle. Over time, the protective cartilage in the ankle begins to wear away, eventually causing the bones in the ankle to rub against each other.

Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures are among the most common types of fractures. They can occur in various ways but often happen after twisting or rolling the ankle while tripping or falling.

Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are one of the most common ankle injuries we treat at OrthoMed. Initial treatment is often nonsurgical, but our orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons also offer surgical treatment options if chronic ankle instability occurs due to an ankle sprain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet and Ankle

Rheumatoid arthritis can have a significant effect on the feet and ankle, including swelling of the toe joints to severe destruction of the foot and ankle joints. The process of joint inflammation begins with an inflammation of the lining of the joints called the capsule. As the capsule becomes inflamed, the joint fills with fluid and becomes painful. The cartilage lining of the joint then wears and becomes severely damaged. Treatment can be anything from shoe wear modification to joint fusion or even joint replacement.

Selecting Shoes

The primary purpose of shoes is to protect your feet and prevent injury. Poorly fitted shoes can cause discomfort, injury, and permanent deformity. Understanding the way the shoe fits your feet can help you make sensible shoe purchases. Durable construction and a good fit are the most important qualities to look for in shoes.

Foot and Ankle Treatment in Modesto, CA

Our orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons at OrthoMed can recommend treatment ranging from foot-wear modification to joint fusion or even joint replacement, depending on the severity of your condition.

If you would like to schedule a consultation for a foot or ankle condition with one of our orthopedic surgeons at OrthoMed Center, please call (209) 524-4438. You may also request an appointment online.