Wichita Podiatrist Dr. Benjamin Weaver Can Put a Stop to Your Foot and Ankle Pain So You Can Get Back to Leading an Active Lifestyle
Foot and ankle discomfort can arise unexpectedly, and it’s crucial not to overlook the signs of a serious medical condition. At Central Kansas Podiatry Associates, Dr. Benjamin Weaver offers podiatric care for children and adults in Wichita and the surrounding central Kansas area. After pinpointing the cause of your foot and ankle pain, he’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that relieves your discomfort and gets you back to making the most of each day.
Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Pain
While certain foot and ankle issues may be hereditary, congenital, or linked to underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, others are influenced by lifestyle factors. For instance, an elevated risk of foot and ankle pain may be associated with:
- Improper footwear. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, having high heels or narrow toe boxes, or wearing shoes inappropriate for your specific activities can lead to chronic foot and ankle pain.
- High-impact activities. Participating in high-impact sports and exercises such as running, dance, gymnastics, or sports involving repetitive jumping increases your risk of developing foot and ankle pain.
- Training too aggressively. Increasing the frequency, duration, or intensity of physical activities too rapidly puts excessive strain on your feet.
- Working in physically demanding occupations. Having a job that requires repetitive movements, prolonged standing, or walking for extended periods can lead to foot and ankle pain.
Foot and Ankle Conditions We Treat at Our Wichita Podiatry Office
As a comprehensive podiatry practice, we address all types of painful foot and ankle conditions at our Wichita, Kansas, office. Some of the most common conditions we treat include:
- Arthritis. Arthritis is an inflammation and degeneration of the joints in the foot and ankle that is commonly caused by age, previous injuries, or autoimmune conditions. This results in pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion.
- Bunions. Bony protrusions at the base of the big toe, bunions are often caused by structural abnormalities or wearing ill-fitting shoes.
- Hammer toe. Hammer toe is characterized by an abnormal bending of the toes, usually due to muscle imbalance, genetic predisposition, or wearing tight shoes, resulting in pain, corns, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear.
- Heel spurs. Bony outgrowths on the underside of the heel bone, heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis or excessive strain on the foot.
- Morton's neuroma. A thickening of tissue around a nerve in the ball of the foot, commonly caused by compression from tight shoes or repetitive stress, this condition can lead to sharp pain, burning sensations, or numbness in the toes.
- Plantar fasciitis. An inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, plantar fasciitis is often caused by overuse, improper footwear, or biomechanical issues.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome. Tarsal tunnel syndrome leads to shooting pain, tingling, or numbness in the foot. It is caused by compression of the tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel, often due to injury, inflammation, or structural abnormalities.
No matter what the root cause of your foot and ankle pain is, Central Kansas Podiatry Associates is dedicated to assisting you in finding effective solutions.
When to See Our Wichita Podiatrist
While minor foot and ankle problems can be alleviated through self-care methods such as rest, icing, compression, elevating the foot, and utilizing over-the-counter pain relievers, sometimes the problem persists or intensifies over a few days. We recommend making an appointment with our Wichita podiatrist when you’re suffering from:
- Difficulty walking. If your pain makes it challenging to walk, stand, or perform daily activities, seek professional evaluation and treatment immediately.
- Swelling or redness. Swelling, redness, or warmth in the foot or ankle can indicate inflammation, infection, or injury that requires medical attention.
- Visible deformities. Any visible deformities, such as bumps, lumps, or changes in the shape of your foot or ankle, should be evaluated by a podiatrist to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
- Numbness or tingling. Persistent numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the foot or ankle could signal nerve compression or damage that requires prompt medical assessment.
- Difficulty fitting into shoes. If you're experiencing difficulty fitting into your shoes due to pain, swelling, or deformities, a podiatrist can provide guidance on proper footwear and address any underlying issues.
Dr. Weaver’s patient care approach prioritizes conservative, non-surgical treatments such as braces and orthotics. If conservative methods prove inadequate in alleviating pain or restoring mobility, Dr. Weaver can assist you in determining your next steps.