Most foot or ankle problems can be addressed with non-surgical treatments. Even talking about surgery as an option is reserved for only the most extreme or treatment-resistant cases.
Here at Plymouth Podiatry, we have several non-surgical options we recommend before considering surgery.
Common Foot & Ankle Issues
Many foot and ankle issues have several options for healing that don’t involve surgery. Some of the most common reasons we see patients at Plymouth include:
- Arthritis
- Sports or accident-related traumatic injuries
- Tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis or heel pain
- Warts
- Morton’s Neuroma (pinched nerve between toes)
- Ingrown toenails
These conditions are often treatable with non-surgical means, allowing our patients to resume normal activities within days or weeks.
Seeing a Foot & Ankle Specialist
If you need to see a foot and ankle specialist and you’ve never been to one before, here is what you can expect:
- Medical history: Your doctor will ask about when your pain began, its intensity, and any other medical care or treatments you’ve received for it.
- Physical exam: The podiatrist will check for swelling, discoloration, or other obvious signs of trauma. They will also touch or tap different areas, or move your foot or toes to target the exact location of the problem.
- Imaging: The doctor may order X-rays or MRIs to make a more accurate diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan.
- Diagnosis & treatment plan: Once your podiatrist understands your foot or ankle problem, they’ll provide an official diagnosis and a plan of action to help you heal.
Basic Non-Surgical Treatments
Some foot and ankle pain treatments are simple and can be performed right there in the office or at home later:
Activity Modification
Most likely, your doctor will suggest modifying your regular activities. For athletes, this may mean temporarily suspending their participation in their sport. You’ll likely be instructed on how and when to resume activities.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions. Resuming regular activities too soon can cause reinjury or serious complications.
The RICE Approach
One of the most common non-surgical treatments is RICE:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
When combined with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, RICE can be an effective non-surgical treatment.
Changes in Footwear
For problems such as chronic ingrown toenails or arthritis, a simple modification to your regular footwear can sometimes help alleviate symptoms. Your doctor may suggest:
- Shoes with better arch support
- Shoes with a wider toe box
- Specialty inserts or custom orthotics
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy (PT) is often recommended for those recovering from injuries or suffering from arthritis or tendonitis. If you need PT, your doctor will usually provide a specific diagnosis and a recommendation form for your therapist. This allows your therapist to target and treat your condition in the most effective way possible.
PT typically includes specific stretches and exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting the affected area and improve your mobility. You may also need to work on your balance or gait to avoid reinjuring yourself. Most PT includes “homework” such as stretches or exercises that reinforce the work you do in person. Doing your PT homework will help you recover more quickly.
Advanced Non-Surgical Treatments
Sometimes, basic non-surgical treatments aren’t enough. Other times, they’re simply not right for your particular foot or ankle pain. In those cases, your doctor might try one of the following more advanced non-surgical treatments:
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a form of non-invasive, non-medicated pain relief. Your doctor will hold a small device against your skin that emits high-intensity ultrasound waves to target your pain.
The device stimulates blood flow to the affected area or damaged tissue. Increased blood flow allows muscles to relax and damaged tissue to heal faster. The number of treatments your doctor recommends will depend on the location, cause, and intensity of your pain.
Patients report almost immediate pain relief. Side effects of shockwave therapy are rare, making it a popular non-surgical option for many foot and ankle conditions.
Injections
There are different types of injectables that your doctor may try to help get rid of your pain. These include:
- Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroids mimic the natural hormones your body produces to reduce swelling, stiffness, pain, and inflammation.
- Hyaluronic acid (gel) injections: Like corticosteroid injections, gel injections help reduce swelling, stiffness, pain, and inflammation. However, gel injections have the added benefit of acting as a lubricant or shock absorber for joint pain.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Platelets help your blood clot. Plasma is the fluid in your blood that carries platelets, as well as healthy red and white blood cells. Doctors will sometimes draw your own blood, put it into a device that separates the plasma, and then inject you with your own platelet-rich plasma to boost your body’s ability to grow new, healthy tissue.
Before attempting any of these treatments, your doctor will discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of each option. Remember that treatment is always a discussion with your doctor that should include your input.
FAQ: Non-Surgical Foot & Ankle Treatments
Q: When is surgery the only choice?
A: If none of the above treatments work, or if your pain gets worse, your doctor may want you to consider surgery. Additionally, some injuries are so severe that they require surgery first.
Q: How long should I try non-surgical treatments before considering surgery?
A: Most patients try non-surgical options for several weeks to a few months, depending on the condition. Your podiatrist will monitor your progress and adjust care as needed.
Q: Can I treat foot pain at home first?
A: You can try the RICE method, buy more supportive shoes, and do gentle stretches. However, persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a podiatrist.
Q: Does shockwave therapy hurt?
A: Most people feel mild discomfort during treatment, but it’s generally well-tolerated and lasts only a few minutes. Your provider adjusts the intensity to keep you comfortable.
The Right Treatment For You
At Plymouth Podiatry, we know that surgery doesn’t have to be the first or only option. For over 30 years, we’ve helped our patients with more conservative, non-invasive treatments first.
Contact Plymouth Podiatry online, or call one of our offices at (866) 536-4446 (Plymouth) or (508) 936-3028 (Raynham) to discuss how we can assist you.