Foot & Ankle Pain

Foot and ankle pain can make every single step you take feel unbearably painful. Whether you recently had an injury or have been suffering from foot and ankle pain for an extended period of time, double board-certified podiatrist Jared Clegg, DPM, Cascade Foot & Ankle, which has locations in Nephi and Provo, Utah, can help. Dr. Clegg can get to the root of your lower extremity pain and get you started on treatment right away. Call the nearest office to request an appointment today. 

What conditions cause foot and ankle pain?

There are many conditions that cause foot and ankle pain. The team at Cascade Foot & Ankle routinely sees patients who are affected by:

Sprained Ankles

Sprained ankles occur when ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear, often due to twisting or rolling the foot. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle.

Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness in the joints, commonly affecting the big toe. It occurs due to the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint.

General Foot Pain

General foot pain can result from various factors such as overuse, improper footwear, or underlying conditions like plantar fasciitis. Symptoms may include aching, burning, or stabbing sensations in the feet.

Neuroma

A neuroma is a benign growth of nerve tissue, typically occurring between the toes. It can cause sharp, shooting pain and a sensation of walking on a pebble or lump.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy refers to nerve damage that leads to tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the feet and ankles. It can result from diabetes, injury, or certain medications.

Turf Toe

Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe joint, commonly seen in athletes who play sports on artificial turf. It causes pain and swelling at the base of the big toe.

Achilles Tendon Injuries

Achilles tendon injuries, such as tendonitis or rupture, can cause pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle. They often occur due to overuse or sudden movements.

Arthritis

Arthritis can affect the joints of the foot and ankle, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Common types include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries, such as stress fractures or ligament tears, are common causes of foot and ankle pain among athletes. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for recovery and preventing long-term complications.

Flat Feet

Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse, leading to pain and fatigue with prolonged standing or walking.

How are foot and ankle pain diagnosed?

At Cascade Foot & Ankle, Dr. Clegg and the team employ a comprehensive approach to diagnosing foot and ankle pain to ensure accurate identification of the underlying cause. They utilize a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and diagnostic tests to assess your condition effectively.

Clinical Evaluation

During your initial consultation, Dr. Clegg conducts a thorough physical examination of your feet and ankles. This may involve assessing your range of motion, strength, and stability and evaluating for any signs of inflammation or deformity. He also discusses your medical history and any specific activities or events that may have contributed to your pain.

Imaging Studies

In some cases, imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans may be ordered to obtain detailed images of the bones, joints, and soft tissues in your feet and ankles. These diagnostic tests can help identify fractures, arthritis, ligament injuries, and other structural abnormalities that may be causing your pain.

Diagnostic Tests

Depending on your symptoms and suspected diagnosis, additional diagnostic tests may be recommended. These may include nerve conduction studies, ultrasound, or blood tests to assess nerve function, blood flow, or detect underlying systemic conditions such as diabetes or gout.

By combining the findings from your physical exam with the results of imaging studies and diagnostic tests, Dr. Clegg and the team can accurately diagnose the cause of your foot and ankle pain. This allows them to develop a targeted treatment plan tailored to address your specific needs and restore function and comfort to your lower extremities.

What treatments are available for foot and ankle pain?

At Cascade Foot & Ankle, Dr. Clegg and the team offer a variety of treatment options to effectively alleviate foot and ankle pain and restore your mobility and quality of life. Their team works closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to address your unique needs and goals.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Rest and immobilization
• Ice and elevation
• Physical therapy
• Orthotic devices
• Corticosteroid injections
• Laser therapy
• Ultrasound-guided procedures
• Arthroscopic surgery
• Tendon repair

The team at Cascade Foot & Ankle wants to provide you with the most effective and least invasive treatment options possible to address your foot and ankle pain.

Don't let foot and ankle pain hold you back any longer. Call Cascade Foot & Ankle to schedule a consultation today.