If we ignore the early warning signs of a foot or ankle problem we could be setting ourselves up for long-term trouble. Not only do symptoms tend to get worse when we wish them away, but often treatment success lessens as conditions become more and more severe. That’s why it’s so important to treat foot and ankle issues before they escalate. At Chattanooga Non-surgical Orthopedics we have non-surgical options to get you out of pain and back on your feet.

Here are five of the most common foot problems we can help treat that tend to get worse without intervention.

1. Ankle Sprains – The pain from an ankle sprain may fade over time, even without targeted treatment, but a problem could be brewing underneath the surface. Moderate or severe ankle sprains can cause ligament stretching and damage, and that can put you at a heightened risk for future ankle sprains or worse. If your ankle feels unstable or you find that you’re rolling your ankle more frequently following a previous ankle injury, come see Dr. Hall for an evaluation.
2. Bunions – Bunions are extremely common because they are often brought on by ill-fitting shoes. High heels and narrow-toed shoes are notorious for putting abnormal stress on the front of your feet, and that can lead to a shift in the location of your big toe joint. Left untreated, stress will continue to displace the big toe joint and more pain will follow.
3. Plantar Fasciitis – Plantar fasciitis is categorized by inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs on the underside of your foot from your heel to your toes, and it requires targeted treatment to alleviate the issue. Prolonged inflammation can damage the tissue and leave you more susceptible to tearing. Stretching exercises and activity modification can all help to protect the area as it heals and you go about your day, but we also offer more specific treatments for those who need it.
4. Hammertoes – Hammertoes are caused by pressure on our toes that cause them to bend upwards. Over time, these toe joints can stiffen and your hammertoes become constant. This can make it difficult or uncomfortable to wear shoes. Intervening before the joints and ligaments become rigid is a must. 
5. Ankle Arthritis – We’re not going to be able to reverse ankle joint degeneration, but that doesn’t mean you should just ignore it. Proactive treatment, weight management, and exercise can help to calm symptoms and slow the natural progression as we age. 

For help with any of these ankle/foot issues, reach out to us at: 423-499-0003 today.