Foot and Ankle Pain

Our Approach to Foot and Ankle Treatments

 

The University of Chicago Medicine's foot and ankle specialists are at the forefront of personalized foot/ankle pain management. We treat everything from straightforward cases to highly complex problems. And we take an active role in educating patients about their condition, explaining all available treatment options for reducing pain and improving function. We encourage our patients to participate in the decision-making process.

UChicago Medicine's foot and ankle doctors also treat general aches and pains that occur through daily and recreational activities. And our group provides education on preventive medicine, including proper shoe wear and foot care for diabetic patients.

Causes of Foot and Ankle Pain

Your feet and ankles contain hundreds of ligaments, muscles, tendons and nerves that work together to deliver stability and balance for your body. However, because feet and ankles perform critical functions, they are at risk for wear and tear over time, leading to bottom and or ball of your foot pain, arch pain, heel spur pain, bone spur pain, big toe pain and more.

We treat a broad range of conditions that cause foot and ankle pain, including:

• Foot arthritis/ankle arthritis 
• Deformities/abnormal anatomy (flat foot, high arches)
• Degenerative foot and ankle problems
• Broken ankle/broken foot
• Injuries to ankle ligaments/foot ligaments (sprains and dislocations)
• Plantar fasciitis 
• Bursitis
• Bunions 
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sports-related food and ankle injuries
• Tendon injuries (foot tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis, posterior tibial tendon and peroneal tendons)
• Trauma-related foot and ankle injures

Foot/Ankle Pain Treatment

In order to treat everything from pain and swelling to more serious conditions, our foot/ankle doctors may recommend one or more of the following:

Nonsurgical treatments:

• Medications, such as anti-inflammatory medication
• Ice compression and elevation
• Orthotics and casting
• Physical therapy, stretches and exercise 
• Footwear modifications

Surgery Options:

• Ankle arthroscopy 
• Bunion surgery (bunionectomy) 
• Reconstructive foot surgery
• Revision surgery for prior treatment
• Total ankle replacement
• Trauma and fracture surgery