Foot & Ankle Care

Ankle Anatomy 101

Combined, the human foot and ankle contain more than 100 bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments, and forms 33 joints. It is a highly intricate structure that works in unison with the foot to help support our body weight, allow us to stand, walk or run, and move and flex in a variety of ways. When injured, it often requires highly specialized treatment to restore maximum function and movement.

Common Ankle Concerns

Joint pain in the ankle can usually be traced back to an underlying cause or concern. Among other things, each of the following can cause reoccurring pain: 

• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Avulsion fracture
• Broken foot
• Bursitis (joint inflammation)
• Gout (arthritis related to excess uric acid)
• Osteoarthritis (disease causing the breakdown of joints)
• Osteochondritis dissecans
• Plantar fasciitis
• Pseudogout
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Reactive arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory joint disease)
• Septic arthritis
• Sprained ankle
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

While the causes of ankle pain and foot pain are diverse, each patient has the same fundamental problem: chronic discomfort. At Iowa Orthopedic Specialists, the goal is always to find a healthy solution. Whether patients experience foot pain, swelling, or weakness, our orthopedic surgeons can provide expert treatment. When it comes to finding an ankle or foot injury doctor, our team is ready to help repair your joint damage, ankle fractures, chronic foot pain, and more. 

Ankle & Foot Treatments 

From operative to nonoperative foot and ankle treatments, our orthopedic ankle doctors will work to create a unique treatment plan focused on restoring your function. Our orthopedic doctors will use the latest MRI machines and X-Rays from our medical imaging department to diagnose your injury. Your foot and ankle doctor will work closely with our physical therapy services to formulate a comprehensive care plan which may include the use of medical braces and custom orthotics to offer you better pain management as part of your treatment process. 

When a surgical solution is required, the foot and ankle surgeons at Orthopedic Specialists have extensive training and experience in performing specialized techniques for treating foot injuries and ankle injuries. While foot and ankle surgeries are unique to each individual, our podiatry specialists have experience addressing most concerns. Common procedures our orthopedic podiatrists often perform include Achilles tendon surgery, tendon transfer of the foot and ankle, tendon repair, implant surgery, and lateral and medial ligament reconstruction.

To provide the best outcome and quality of life for our patients, our physical therapy experts will work with you to regain your range of motion and decrease healing time. Orthopedic Specialists understands how critical pre and post-operative physical rehabilitation is for returning you to an active lifestyle. Patients with athletic injuries may also work with specialists from our sports medicine practice to help them regain their athletic performance. 

The foot and ankle specialists at Orthopedic Specialists are what make our team the best Iowa foot and ankle clinic. If you are looking for a go-to Iowa foot and ankle specialist, we are here to help treat your foot and ankle conditions and concerns! 

If you are experiencing ankle pain or an ankle injury, schedule an appointment with one of our podiatry doctors today!