Why choose Geisinger for foot and ankle pain?
When foot or ankle pain keeps you from walking, sleeping or doing daily activities, there’s no need to tough it out. Get back to health and comfort by seeing our team of orthopedic foot and ankle specialists. Whether you injured your foot playing sports or have a chronic condition, we’re here to help.
Our team has a "conservative-first" philosophy. That means we offer non-surgical treatment options that may help you avoid surgery, including physical therapy and advanced injection therapies.
If you and your doctor decide surgery is the right option for you, you’ll have access to the region’s most innovative procedures.
By combining nationally recognized expertise with a personalized touch, we help you get back to your daily routine safely and with lasting results.
Treatments and services we offer
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FAQs
What are some common conditions that can cause foot and ankle pain?
Many conditions and injuries can lead to pain in your feet and ankles, including:
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Achilles issues
- Diabetes
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions
- Flat feet
- Hammertoe
- Ankle sprains and ankle instability
- Fractures
- Tendinitis
When should I call the doctor about foot and ankle pain?
If you have any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- Severe foot pain or swelling
- An open wound on your foot
- Signs of infection, like redness, warmth, tenderness on your foot, with or without a fever
- You’re unable to walk
Also, if you’ve been having foot or ankle pain for more than a week or two and home treatments like rest, over-the-counter medication and ice or heat therapy haven’t helped, you may need to visit a foot and ankle doctor.
How do doctors diagnose foot and ankle pain?
Our orthopedic doctors may use one of the following tests to diagnose your foot and ankle pain:
- Physical exam: Your doctor will feel your foot and ankle to find issues in your bones or joints. They may ask you to walk a short distance to see how your foot and ankle move.
- X-ray: If your doctor thinks your pain is coming from your bones, they may recommend an X-ray to take a detailed image of your foot and ankle.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Sometimes, an X-ray doesn’t provide enough information to make a diagnosis of your pain. In that case, your doctor may recommend an MRI. An MRI uses powerful magnets to take an image of the inside of your foot and ankle.
How do you treat foot and ankle pain?
There are many treatments for foot and ankle pain. They depend on what’s causing your pain. If you’re having foot or ankle pain, your treatment may involve:
Medications, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, which can help reduce pain and swelling.
Non-surgical treatments, such as:
- Steroid injections
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Shoe wear modifications
- Physical therapy, sometimes through our sports medicine program
Surgery, including:
- Forefoot reconstruction
- Midfoot and hindfoot surgery
- Ligament and tendon repair
- Fracture repair
- Nonunion repair
- Complex revision surgery
- Joint replacement surgery
- Ankle fusion and ankle replacement
- Diabetic (Charcot) foot surgeries
Foot and ankle care at Geisinger
Our orthopedic team offers the latest, most minimally invasive procedures to help you heal faster. Here, you’ll find:
- Comprehensive orthopedic expertise: From treating common wear-and-tear injuries to complex fractures, our team provides the care you need — from sports medicine and specialized physical therapy to advanced surgery.
- World-class care, close to home: With 24 locations throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, our experienced orthopedic team provides evaluations, consultations and care. We offer leading-edge treatment options and tailored-to-you care backed by the expertise and innovation of a nationally renowned health system.