Foot and Ankle Specialists in Alabama – Southlake Orthopaedics

Foot & Ankle Care and Treatments

Understanding Foot & Ankle Conditions and Available Treatments

Foot & Ankle Specialists in Birmingham and Hoover, Serving Central Alabama

Foot and ankle health is imperative for overall well-being. By providing support and balance, these parts serve as the foundation for the entire body. Those wishing to live an active life must seek the care of a foot and ankle specialist when concerns arise.

Southlake Orthopaedics, located in Hoover and Birmingham, Alabama, offers comprehensive foot and ankle care from board-certified orthopedic surgeons. Our complete care helps patients throughout central Alabama experience less pain and more living.

Foot & Ankle Conditions Requiring Orthopedic Care

The feet and ankles are incredibly complex body parts made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These structures carry the weight of the body and absorb the shock of each step, meaning they take a beating.

Given the complexity of these anatomical wonders, the feet and ankles are susceptible to numerous conditions. Common symptoms of foot and ankle conditions include:

Persistent pain in the feet or ankles
Limited range of motion
Swelling or stiffness
Inability to put pressure on the foot or ankle
Redness to the area

Common Foot & Ankle Conditions

The feet and ankles can endure a variety of conditions, including:

Achilles Tendon Rupture

The Achilles tendon is the largest in the body and connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It helps the body walk, run, and jump. While the Achilles tendon can withstand great stress from physical activity, it is also vulnerable to injury.

When the tendon ruptures, a tear or separation of the tendon fibers occurs, preventing the Achilles tendon from functioning normally. Many patients report hearing a pop followed by an immediate sharp pain in the back of the ankle and lower leg when this injury occurs. Treatment options for this condition often depend on the patient’s age, activity levels, and rehabilitation goals but can involve surgery.

Bunions & Hammer Toes

The wrong footwear can cause painful bunions or hammer toes, especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition for these conditions. Bunions can form when pressure is applied to the side of the big toe, pushing it toward the other toes and potentially causing it to overlap with them, above or below. This can result in tender and swollen tissues around the joint, leading to a protrusion at the base of the big toe where it meets the foot (metatarsophalangeal joint). The larger the bunion, the more painful it can be to walk.

A hammer toe is a bending deformity of the second, third, or fourth toes, where the toe is bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. Over time, the muscles can tighten and not stretch out properly. This condition is often caused by ill-fitting shoes, but nerve or joint damage can also be a factor.

Charcot Arthropathy

Charcot arthropathy is a serious foot condition that can occur in diabetic patients with nerve damage due to uncontrolled high blood sugar. This condition masks the sensation of pain in the foot, meaning patients can experience fractures and dislocations of bones and joints with minimal or no symptoms.

Typically, the first indication of the condition is swelling, redness, and increased warmth in the foot and ankle. Other indicators include persistent swelling and deformities. Many patients successfully recover and experience long-term relief through surgical reconstruction.

Fractures/Breaks

A foot or ankle fracture occurs when the bone is broken. These injuries often happen when the ankle twists, landing feet-first during a fall. They might also occur during a high-impact event like a car accident or while playing sports. A broken foot or ankle is usually very painful, and the affected person will likely be unable to put weight on the injured foot. Sometimes, the ankle is dislocated. Treatment typically involves immobilizing the area with a cast or splint, although more severe cases may require surgical intervention.

Sprains

Foot and ankle sprains are like fractures but involve the ligaments. These ligaments are injured when they stretch beyond the normal range of motion. This condition requires expert medical attention for correct diagnosis and to determine the extent of the injury. Treatment is recommended depending on the patient’s particular case.

Foot and Ankle Arthritis

Arthritis can affect any one of the joints in the foot and ankle. While there are many types of arthritis, the most common type impacting the foot and ankle is osteoarthritis. Arthritis causes pain and stiffness but can be treated with non-surgical and surgical approaches.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Foot & Ankle Conditions

Southlake Orthopaedics specializes in the field of orthopedics and sports medicine, meaning patients receive complete care for their foot and ankle injuries. Our team offers support through every step of the treatment and recovery process, including testing, surgery, and rehabilitation. Using the most advanced medical technology available, our board-certified orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons provide the following treatments:

Ankle Fracture Surgery

If ankle fractures are severe enough, surgical measures must be taken. Ankle fracture surgery involves surgeons meticulously realigning the broken bones and securing them in place while they heal. During the recovery process, patients will wear a cast or brace to keep the injured ankle stable.

Diagnostic Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a procedure orthopedic surgeons use to diagnose and surgically treat problems inside a joint. During this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision and inserts a pencil-sized instrument that contains a small camera lens and lighting system to magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint. This device gives surgeons a clear view of the joint interior and the exact scope of the problem to determine the best approach to treatment.

Cheilectomy

Cheilectomy treats osteoarthritis in the big toe joint. The procedure removes bone spurs and bone from the foot to allow the big toe to bend freely. This treatment is generally recommended after nonsurgical methods have failed.

Bracing and Orthotics

Orthotics uses an external device to modify the structure and function of muscles, bones, and joints. Orthotic devices are recommended depending on the patient’s symptoms, the underlying cause for those symptoms, and the shape of their feet and ankles. Orthotics can range from simple shoe inserts to more sophisticated bracing.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an exercise conditioning program that helps patients safely return to daily activities after surgery or overcome mobility-limiting conditions. For foot and ankle issues, therapy will likely focus on strength, flexibility, and balance so patients can enjoy a more active lifestyle.

Total Ankle Joint Replacement

This surgical procedure treats a variety of conditions by removing damaged portions of the ankle and replacing them with an implantable device. These new parts work together to mimic a natural joint. This treatment helps patients who have been severely injured, or who have recurring injuries.

Why Choose Southlake Orthopaedics for Foot & Ankle Care?

At Southlake Orthopaedics, we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized care to every patient. With an emphasis on collaboration and efficiency, we deliver high-quality care to patients from all walks of life, from children to seniors. Meet our team:

Receive Care From Foot & Ankle Specialists in Alabama

Regain mobility and find relief with Southlake Orthopaedics. With an on-site osteoporosis clinic, orthotics lab, and in-house physical therapy, our board-certified foot and ankle doctors provide complete care to treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. Our locations in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview serve patients throughout central Alabama. For more information, contact us today.