Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be an effective non-surgical treatment for a variety of foot and ankle problems, including sprains, strains, and tendonitis. The goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore proper function to the affected area. Our podiatrists work with your physical therapist to develop personalized treatment plans targeting your specific needs.
During physical therapy sessions, you may engage in exercises and stretches designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons in your feet and ankles, improve flexibility, and enhance balance and coordination. Your physical therapist may also use manual therapy techniques, such as massage or joint mobilization, to help alleviate pain and promote healing. In addition, they may provide education on proper footwear, posture, and techniques to prevent future injuries.
Medications
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage foot pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be effective for mild to moderate pain. However, if your pain is more severe or persists despite these medications, your Annapolis podiatrist may prescribe stronger options.
Prescription medications for foot pain may include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. They are often prescribed for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and arthritis.
- Corticosteroids. These powerful anti-inflammatory medications can be taken orally or injected directly into the affected area. They are typically used for short-term relief of severe pain and inflammation.
- Nerve pain medications. If your foot pain is related to nerve damage or compression, such as neuropathy, your podiatrist may prescribe medications specifically designed to target nerve pain like gabapentin or pregabalin.
It's important to note that medications should always be used as directed by your podiatrist and in conjunction with other non-surgical treatments for optimal results.
Injections
Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain in specific areas of the foot or ankle. These injections deliver a concentrated dose of anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, providing targeted relief. They are often used to treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis, neuromas, and arthritis.
Surgical Foot Treatments for When Conservative Options Aren't Enough
While non-surgical treatments are often effective for managing foot problems, there are times when surgery is necessary to achieve the best possible outcome, especially if conservative treatments are not successful.
Our board-certified podiatric surgeons at Annapolis Foot and Ankle Center are skilled in performing a wide range of surgical procedures to address complex foot and ankle issues. Some conditions that may require surgery include:
Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing it to point inward toward the other toes. Bunions can be painful and make it difficult to wear certain shoes. In severe cases, bunion surgery, also known as a bunionectomy, may be necessary to correct the alignment of the bones and joints in the big toe.
There are several surgical techniques that can be used to treat bunions, depending on the severity of the deformity and the patient's individual needs. Some common bunion surgery procedures include:
- Osteotomy. This involves cutting and realigning the bones in the big toe to correct the bunion deformity.
- Arthrodesis. This procedure involves fusing the bones in the big toe joint to eliminate pain and improve stability.
- Exostectomy. Surgeons use this procedure to shave off the bump (bunion). It’s often combined with other procedures to realign the joint.
Hammertoes
Hammer toes occur when the middle joint of a toe becomes bent, causing the toe to curl downward. This deformity can be painful and make it difficult to wear shoes comfortably. In severe cases, hammer toe surgery may be necessary to release the contracted tendon and realign the toe.
Hammer toe surgery typically involves one or more of the following procedures:
- Tendon release. This involves cutting the tendon that is causing the toe to curl, allowing it to straighten.
- Joint resection. Surgeons remove a portion of the bone in the affected joint to allow the toe to lie flat.
- Fusion. This procedure involves fusing the bones in the affected joint to eliminate pain and improve stability.
Our podiatrists use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce pain and speed up the healing process. We also provide detailed post-operative instructions and follow-up care to ensure a smooth recovery.
Ankle Instability
Chronic ankle instability can develop after repeated ankle sprains, leading to pain, swelling, and a feeling of the ankle giving way. This condition can make it difficult to participate in sports or other activities that require stable ankles.
Surgical treatment for ankle instability may involve repairing or reconstructing the damaged ligaments to restore stability and prevent future sprains. Some common surgical procedures for ankle instability include:
- Broström procedure. This procedure involves repairing the damaged lateral ankle ligaments to improve stability.
- Lateral ligament reconstruction. Your surgeon uses a tendon graft to reconstruct the damaged lateral ankle ligaments.
- Arthroscopic surgery. This minimally invasive procedure involves using a small camera and instruments inserted through tiny incisions to repair damaged ligaments or remove loose bodies in the ankle joint.
Our podiatric surgeons have extensive experience in performing ankle stabilization procedures, and we work closely with our physical therapy team to develop personalized rehabilitation plans to help you regain strength and mobility after surgery.
Diabetic Foot Complications
Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing serious foot complications, such as non-healing wounds and Charcot foot. If not properly treated, these conditions can lead to severe infections, deformities, and even amputation.
At Annapolis Foot and Ankle Center, our Chesapeake Amputation Prevention Center provides advanced surgical treatments, including reconstructive surgery and wound care, for amputation prevention in patients with diabetes.
Some surgical procedures that may be used to treat diabetic foot complications include:
- Wound debridement. This procedure removes dead or infected tissue from a wound to promote healing.
- Reconstructive surgery. Your surgeon corrects deformities or restores proper alignment to the foot or ankle to alleviate pressure on wounds and prevent recurrence.
- Amputation. In cases where the infection or damage is extensive, amputation of the affected toe, foot, or lower leg may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection and save the patient's life.
Our team of podiatrists, wound care specialists, and vascular surgeons work together to provide comprehensive care for diabetic patients with foot complications.
Deciding Between Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatments
Choosing between surgical and non-surgical foot treatments is a decision that should be made in collaboration with your Annapolis podiatrist. During your consultation, your podiatrist will thoroughly evaluate your condition, discuss your goals and preferences, and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific needs. Factors influencing the decision include:
- The severity and duration of your symptoms
- The underlying cause of your foot problem
- Your overall health and medical history
- Your response to previous non-surgical treatments
- Your personal preferences and lifestyle
- Your activity level and functional goals
In many cases, our podiatrists will recommend starting with non-surgical treatments and progressing to surgery only if conservative options fail to provide adequate relief. This approach allows you to explore less invasive options first and may help you avoid the need for surgery altogether. However, there are situations where surgery may be the best first-line treatment, such as in cases of severe deformity, instability, or progressive disease.
Our podiatrists will educate you about your options and help you make an informed decision that meets your needs.
Trust Your Feet to the Experts at Annapolis Foot and Ankle Center
At Annapolis Foot and Ankle Center, we understand that foot and ankle problems can significantly impact your quality of life. Whether you are dealing with a common foot problem or a complex ankle condition, our team of experienced podiatrists and state-of-the-art facility provide you with access to the most advanced surgical and non-surgical treatment options available.
We pride ourselves on delivering personalized, patient-centered care that focuses on your individual needs and goals. From your initial consultation through treatment and recovery, we will work closely with you to ensure that you receive the highest quality care and support to get you back to the activities you love.
