Non Surgical Treatment for Foot and Ankle Conditions
In most cases a non surgical approach is sufficient to resolve foot, ankle and heels conditions. At Stamford Hospital we provide patients with a wide range of non surgical options. Services we offer include:
Physical Therapy — Physical therapy can often help decrease the pain and swelling in a painful area of the foot or ankle. Heel spurs, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, bunions, corns and calluses, as well as many post-operative surgical conditions, respond well to physical therapy.
Common kinds of physical therapy may include hot packs, massage, paraffin baths, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and diathermy (deep heating of tissues through use of electric current) to relieve pain and swelling, increase range of motion, prevent joint stiffening, rebuild muscle strength, and support the proper alignment of foot structures.
Orthotics — Orthotics are shoe inserts that help realign the foot to function in a more efficient position. Orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably.
Your doctor may prescribe orthotic devices to control abnormal walking patterns, to slow the progression of conditions such as bunions or flatfoot, and often for patients following surgery.
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) — Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most common pain relief medicines in the world and are used everyday to relieve the symptoms of orthopedic injuries. In addition to dulling pain NSAIDs also reduce swelling.
Common NSAIDS are:
- Aspirin (Bufferin, Bayer, and Excedrin)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)
- Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
Cortisone Injections — Many conditions where inflammation is an underlying problem are amenable to cortisone shots. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. When pain is decreased from cortisone it is because the inflammation is diminished. By injecting the cortisone into a particular area of inflammation, very high concentrations of the medication can be given while keeping potential side-effects to a minimum. Cortisone injections usually work within a few days, and the effects can last up to several weeks.
Braces (Orthoses) — Braces can often provide very effective treatment for foot and ankle conditions. Applied externally, an orthosis dynamically controls segments of your body. Depending on the need, an orthosis may be used to stabilize, restrict or allow motion, correct position or protect your foot and/or ankle.
Casts — Certain conditions require casts or brace casts to immobilize the foot or ankle to promote faster healing or correct the foot or ankle position.
Shoe Modifications and Pads — Shoes can be modified in various ways to treat foot problems, increase comfort, improve fit and make them easier to wear. Commonly prescribed shoe modifications include:
- Stretching to decrease pressure on various parts of the feet
- Lifts to compensate for a short leg
- Rocker soles to decrease pain under the ball of the foot
- Buttresses and flares to increase shoe stability
- Modifications to make it easier to place ankle-foot orthoses in shoes
For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).