Joint Problems, Joint Efforts: 3 Ways a Podiatrist Prevents Future Damage

When it comes to your feet and ankles, joints factor into just about everything you do. It makes sense, then, that pain in your joints has a nasty habit of worsening over time.

In many cases, arthritic conditions are linked to joint pain concerns. For this blog post, however, PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center is going to explore more. Read on to learn about some pesky, persistent joint issues and what you can do about them!

Trouble With Tendonitis

Tendonitis, an inflammatory condition, affects the tendon connecting your calf muscle to your heel bone, causing tenderness, discomfort, pain, or swelling near the joint.

1.        Overuse injuries from activities like running or jumping are often to blame.

2.        Improper footwear or sudden increases in activity can also contribute to this condition.

3.        A range of treatment options exist, including innovative EPAT shockwave therapy.

Sprains Can Be Serious!

Sprains occur when ligaments in the immediate vicinity of your joint are stretched or torn, impairing function and limiting mobility.

1.        While often mild, severe sprains can lead to chronic instability and serious complications.

2.        The joint is supported by the ankle ligaments, which help connect bones to one another.

3.        Immobilization, RICE (rest, ice, elevation, and compression), and physical therapy help.

Stressing About Stress Fractures

Stress fractures, tiny cracks in the bones caused by repetitive impact, are another potential source of foot and ankle discomfort.

1.        Athletes, dancers, and individuals in occupations involving prolonged standing or walking are at increased risk.

2.        An X-ray might be used to determine the extent of any existing harm.

3.        Stress fractures warrant immediate medical attention. Deferral might lead to foot deformity, arthritis, and an increased risk of further injury.

Joint pains require joint efforts! If you’re aching and unsure of your options, the best first step is always clear: get in touch with us today.

At Podiatry Care, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat a vast range of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are dedicated to helping our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041. For an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.