4 Common Ankle and Foot Injuries and How Your Podiatrist Can Help

Injuries to the feet and ankles are quite common and can happen to anyone, not just those involved in sports. While minor sprains and strains can be nursed back to health by just icing your injury and resting, it’s important to be able to distinguish when you need to see a podiatrist for expert care. Today Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Anne Arundel County, Maryland is sharing information regarding some signs that it just might be time to schedule a consultation with your podiatrist.

You have unrelenting pain in your heel. Pain in the heel is a common condition that is often the result of Achilles tendonitis or an overuse injury like plantar fasciitis. The encouraging news is that the pain will typically go away on its own with home care, but if the heel pain is serious or continues for weeks without getting any better, it’s time to see a podiatrist to determine the cause.

You have a fractured or sprained foot. If you have a new ankle or foot injury that you’ve never experienced before, it’s a good idea to visit your podiatrist who will be able to determine the extent and severity of the injury. And because improperly treated or untreated injuries can lead to longer-term ankle and foot pain and instability, you need to see your podiatrist when you sustain an injury.

You’ve been diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetics know that they are also at an elevated risk for other foot-related complications including ulcers, infections, and neuropathy. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes you need to enlist the help of a podiatrist who you can turn to for regular care, particularly when problems occur. If you are living with diabetes but you aren’t experiencing any symptoms, you should still visit your podiatrist for an annual checkup.

You experience regular stiffness and joint pain.  Even though there are several reasons why someone may deal with joint pain and stiffness, if this is an ongoing problem, you may have arthritis. And because it’s progressive, the problem must be diagnosed early when treatments and medications can still help to slow the development of joint damage.

If you are experiencing an ankle or foot injury or showing symptoms that have you concerned, contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, Maryland at (410) 761-3501 today to schedule a consultation.