Some of the more commonly encountered foot & ankle conditions include:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Bunions
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Torn or damaged Achilles tendon

If your foot or ankle is causing you regular or severe pain or experiencing symptoms such as swelling, it is best to have the condition evaluated by a podiatrist. Likewise, you should seek care following any sudden or traumatic injury, as there may be damage that you do not yet realize, and prompt treatment can prevent problems down the road.

Fortunately, most cases of plantar fasciitis can be successfully treated with conservative methods such as rest, ice, physical therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. However, for roughly 3 to 5 percent of patients, these therapies will be insufficient in bringing relief, and surgical intervention may be needed. Most commonly, a surgical technique called endoscopic plantar fasciotomy (EPF) will be used.

Most cases of ingrown toenails can be successfully treated with a low rate of recurrence by using a technique called partial nail avulsion or chemical matrixectomy. The procedure is performed in-office and involves numbing of the toe, removal of the diseased portion of the nail and the application of a special medicine to the nail bed which can prevent the problem from recurring in over 90% of cases.

Most patients with bunions can find adequate comfort through at-home treatment options such as ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and changes in footwear. However, the only way to cure a bunion is surgery to correct the position of the toe, and this approach will be needed for some patients to find relief. The specific surgical approach used will depend on both the patient and surgeon.

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and one of the most susceptible to injury. Whether partial or full, a torn Achilles is a painful condition that requires treatment. Minor or moderate achilles injuries can heal in time with rest, ice, elevation, and proper care. More severe injuries, however, are likely to require surgical correction.

While foot & ankle injuries can occur in anyone, they are particularly common in runners. Some common running-related injuries can include plantar fasciitis, achilles tendon rupture, ankle sprains, and heel spurs. Finding a podiatrist who is intimately aware of running and the problems it may cause can be key to keeping feet and ankles strong, healthy, and ready for the road.

In the event that your foot or ankle condition is severe enough to warrant surgery, you'll want to make sure you choose a highly-skilled and experienced surgeon. Having the right physician on your side can mean a smoother surgery with lower rates of complications, more favorable results and speedier recovery times.

In most cases, some simple precautions are all that is needed to protect the health of the feet and ankles. These include:

• Wearing proper fitting shoes and socks that are neither too tight nor too loose
• Keeping feet clean and dry
• Using proper nail trimming techniques
• Pacing yourself when beginning a new physical activity
• Using caution when walking or running on new or uneven surfaces
• Not ignoring symptoms of a problem such as pain, redness, swelling, or discoloration