Our feet and ankles are highly prone to injuries, since we spend a good majority of our day putting pressure on them. If you have been experiencing chronic or intermittent pain in your ankle, you may be wondering whether it is worth it to see an ankle specialist.
Let’s talk about some of the key reasons why you would want to see a doctor who specializes in podiatry for foot and ankle pain, and where you can go in southern Texas to finally find lasting relief that works.
You Have an Ankle Injury
Common ankle conditions and injuries for which you would seek the care of an ankle specialist include:
- Sprained ankle
- Ankle fracture
- Ankle instability
- Sports injury to the ankle
- Ankle pain
- Infection of the ankle area (redness, swelling, warm to the touch, etc.)
- Defect of the ankle (bone protruding in an unusual way)
If you have diabetes and have cut, scraped, or hurt your ankle or feet, contact an ankle specialist right away. One of the main reasons why diabetics experience amputation of toes and feet is because a small foot or ankle injury or sore can quickly develop into a systemic infection.
You Have Persistent Ankle Pain that Doesn’t Improve
Usually, ankle pain gets better with simple at-home remedies like resting the area, placing ice on the ankle, and over-the-counter pain medications. However, if the ankle pain persists, there could be an underlying cause that warrants treatment by an ankle specialist.
Common reasons for persistent ankle pain include a sprained ankle (pulling or tearing of a ligament in the ankle), bursitis, tendonitis, arthritis, and infection.
You Are Recovering from a Severe Ankle Injury or Surgery
Regardless of the type of ankle injury or the procedure you went through, input from your ankle specialist during recovery is a must to ensure that you are healing properly. For example, during your recovery from a sprained ankle, your ankle specialist will look for physical signs of ankle instability. The podiatrist can then correct it before it becomes worse and causes further problems.
You Want to Prevent Sports-Related Ankle Injuries
If you play sports, it is in your best interest to visit an ankle specialist who can help you prevent ankle injuries. Ankle specialists can identify any physical abnormality that might contribute to injury while participating in sports. Your podiatrist may recommend that you keep the ankles and feet strong and supported through targeted stretching, strengthening, and wearing custom orthotics.
Ankle Specialist in San Antonio, TX
If you think you might need care from an ankle specialist, don’t hesitate to contact The Podiatry Group of South Texas. Our foot and ankle specialists offer exceptional orthopedic care for all your foot and ankle-related needs.
Our podiatrists have years of experience, and we can thoroughly evaluate your ankle issue and provide treatment that will work for you. We have convenient locations in San Antonio, Boerne, Floresville, Hondo, Kenedy, Live Oak, and Uvalde.
Get personalized treatment from one of our ankle specialists by calling us today at (210) 227-8700 or by filling out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!