Why It’s Important to Treat Foot and Ankle Injuries Without Delay!

Our feet and ankles support all of our weight. We count on them to take the brunt of working, running errands, pushing through our daily workout, and walking the dogs. And while we try to keep them in proper working order, accidents do happen, and problems develop. Today, Dr. Joel Segalman and Dr. Stephen Lazaroff at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC are sharing information regarding why it’s so important to have foot and ankle injuries treated right away.

When we injure our foot or ankle, we’re suddenly out of commission and in discomfort or pain. It can affect our knees, back, hips and even our gait. Over time this can result in other injuries, extending our downtime.

Unfortunately, many people put off a visit to their podiatrist and this is a huge mistake. Here are three ankle and foot conditions, and the consequences of not seeking medical treatment for them.

Achilles Tendonitis is an injury caused to the largest tendon in the body – our Achilles. It causes swelling, stiffness, and aching in the band of tissue that connects your heel to the calf muscles.

This condition is typically diagnosed in middle-aged weekend athletes and runners. If this condition remains untreated, it can turn into a painful, chronic condition that elevates chances of a tendon rupture and requires surgery to repair it.

Ankle sprain is a rather common injury that affects the ligaments of the ankle. When they have been over-stretched, they can partly or completely tear. If the pain is acute, pressing on the bumps on either side of the ankle causes serious pain, or you cannot move the injured ankle, you need to see your podiatrist.

When not treated, you risk larger ligament tears, leading to long-term or permanent loss of stability in the joint, a diminished ability to flex the joint, and arthritis.

Morton’s neuroma occurs when the nerve in the foot that carries feeling from the toes becomes inflamed. This condition limits weight-bearing activities of any kind. Estimates show that in excess of 30% of all people who are experiencing pain in the ball of their foot are experiencing a neuroma that has not been diagnosed or treated. Neglecting this condition can lead to permanent nerve damage and/or surgery.

Unfortunately, damages to our ankles and feet are quite common. If you want healthy feet, you need to seek medical care whenever there’s a problem. When you don’t, you’re putting your long-term health and flexibility at risk.

If you are experiencing pain from an ongoing injury or issue, contact Dr. Joel Segalman and Dr. Stephen Lazaroff at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC today to schedule an appointment. You can reach our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown location at (203) 270-6724 to schedule a consultation.