Ankle Specialist

Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures are somewhat common and can happen during a variety of activities. Pain, swelling, and bruising are all signs of an ankle fracture. The fracture can be a partial or complete break in the ankle bone. X-rays will help with the diagnosis, and the treatment may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation for less serious cases, or surgery in extreme cases. if you notice consistent or growing pain in your ankle or heel, you may want to consider surgery to treat the source of the pain.

Ankle Sprains

Ankle and joint stiffness, swelling, and pain following a fall or blow to the ankle most likely indicate an ankle sprain. Even a small amount of pain or wobbling can indicate a less serious sprain. In any case, Woodlands Foot and Ankle Center can diagnose your ankle using an X-ray and provide treatment before the sprain worsens or heals incorrectly. Like in the case of a fracture, treatment may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation for less serious cases, or surgery in extreme cases.

Ankle Stability

When your ankle tends to give way during physical activity or simply walking or standing, the issue is with the stability of your ankle. A sprain that hasn’t healed correctly can result in chronic ankle instability. In these cases, rehabilitation is usually needed to retrain the tissue with physical therapy, and surgery may be needed if ligaments need to be repaired or reconstructed. 

Diabetic Foot Care 

Diabetes can cause foot issues primarily due to lack of circulation and nerve damage. When you can’t feel the pain in your feet, issues go unnoticed and undiagnosed. Whether you’re experiencing neuropathy, or an infection, the experienced podiatrist at Woodlands Foot and Ankle Center can diagnose and treat diabetic foot issues. One of our methods for diagnosis is a soft tissue biopsy, during which a small sample of soft tissue is removed and examined. 

The resulting treatment for diabetic foot related issues include diabetic shoes, daily foot inspections and cleanings, keeping feet warm and dry, and more. Call us to schedule an appointment for more information about diabetic foot care

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a heel condition characterized by intense heel pain after waking up in the morning or after long periods of physical activity. The band of tissue from heel to toes is inflamed, creating pain that makes it difficult to walk. The cause can be increased physical activity, genetic issues, unsupportive footwear, increased weight, or long periods spent on one’s feet. At Woodlands Foot and Ankle Center, our podiatrist can determine the cause of your plantar fasciitis and give you information about treatment, which may include stretching, icing, supportive shoes, physical therapy, padding and strapping, and more. 

Flat Feet

When the posterior tibial tendonis unable to support the arch of your foot, this is called PTTD, or adult acquired flatfoot. Signs that you may be suffering from flat feet include pain along the tendon, red or swollen skin, and toes that turn outward while the ankle rolls inward. Immediate treatment is recommended, as early treatment can stop the issue from progressing. Treatments may include orthotic devices, immobilization, physical therapy, medications, shoe modifications, or surgery. 

Foot Fractures

Fractures are common in feet because there are 26 bones in the foot. Diagnosed by an X-ray, a fracture usually requires icing, immobilization, or possibly surgery. 



Heel Spur

Calcium deposits on the heel are called heel spurs. While some heel spurs don’t cause pain, others do and require treatments like orthotics, medication, injections, or surgery. If your heels tend to swell following exercise like running or jumping, you may be suffering from a heel spur. 



Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis is a heel condition characterized by intense heel pain after waking up in the morning or after long periods of physical activity. The band of tissue from heel to toes is inflamed, creating pain that makes it difficult to walk. The cause can be increased physical activity, genetic issues, unsupportive footwear, increased weight, or long periods spent on one’s feet. At Woodlands Foot and Ankle Center, we can determine the cause of your plantar fasciitis and give you information about treatment, which may include stretching, icing, supportive shoes, physical therapy, padding and strapping, and more. 



Bunions

A bunion is a bump on the side of toes that usually begin on the big toe and progress to push the angle of the other bones in the foot. Diagnosis is generally simple, as a look at the foot will confirm the presence of a bunion. Treatments include padding, wide toed footwear, changes in activity, medication, icing, injection therapy, or surgery. 



Ingrown Toenails

Improper toenail care can result in an ingrown toenail. In these cases, the toenail curls in while it grows into the skin, sometimes breaking it. Daily soaking and medication may help, but a severe case might require a visit to a toe specialist and surgery. 

Neuroma

Neuroma is another word for a pinched nerve in the foot, resulting in intense pain, a stinging feeling, or numbness. A neuroma can be caused by foot ailments like bunions or hammertoes, or be caused by wearing high heels or tight shoes during exercise. Treatment includes taking away the factors that caused it in the first place, injections, or surgery.