Our feet and ankles allow us to get through a lot in our daily lives. They support our body weight, allow us to stand, walk, and run. They help us maintain balance and stability. Feet and ankles are also complex; each foot has 26 bones and 33 joints! Unfortunately, this means that foot and ankle problems are all too common, and those problems can significantly impact our quality of life. Some problems heal with rest and recovery. Other issues won’t go away without professional treatment like what you’d find at North Texas Foot & Ankle. Here are six signs that it’s time to seek help from a professional:

Chronic pain

Chronic, persistent pain is never something you should suffer through with your feet. If you’re experiencing persistent pain in your feet or ankles, it’s time to see a specialist. Chronic pain can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as arthritis, nerve damage, or a stress fracture. A foot and ankle specialist can help you determine the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan to manage your symptoms.

Difficulty walking or standing

If you’re having trouble walking or standing for extended periods, it may be a sign of a more severe problem. For instance, you may have a condition that affects your balance or stability, or you may have an injury that’s causing difficulty. However, you won’t know until you see a pro! A foot and ankle specialist can evaluate your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

Swelling or redness

Swelling and redness in your feet or ankles can be a sign of an injury or an infection. If you notice these symptoms, seek help ASAP. A foot and ankle specialist can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include medication, rest, or physical therapy. Swelling, tenderness, and warmth can all be indicators of a more serious issue. 

Limited range of motion

Healthy feet and ankles have a wide range of motion! One of the first signs something is wrong, however, is not being able to move your feet through a normal range of motion. If you’re having trouble moving your feet or ankles, it may be a sign of a more severe problem, such as a torn ligament or a broken bone. A foot and ankle specialist can evaluate your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs, such as physical therapy or surgery.

Numbness or tingling

Numbness or tingling in your feet or ankles can be a sign of a nerve-related problem, such as neuropathy or sciatica. A foot and ankle specialist can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include medication, physical therapy, or surgery.

Deformities

If you’re noticing deformities in your feet or ankles, such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet, foot & ankle specialists can help. These conditions can worsen over time and cause significant pain and discomfort. Specialists like the ones at North Texas can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include custom orthotics, physical therapy, or surgery.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s essential to seek professional help from a foot and ankle specialist like the team at North Texas Foot & Ankle! We can evaluate your symptoms, determine the cause of your problem, and develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. 

Remember, taking care of your feet and ankles is critical to your overall health and wellbeing, so don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you need it. If you’re worried about going into summer with a nagging injury or foot-related concern, give us a call at 214-574-WALK(9255). The team at North Texas Foot & Ankle is ready to help!