Conservative or Non-Surgical Foot & Ankle Treatments

Comprehensive Care from Foot & Ankle Specialists in Orange County

The foot and ankle are vital to everyday mobility, as well as sports and activities that require running, jumping, and quick directional changes. Because problems affecting the foot and ankle can cause pain and limited mobility that reduce one’s activity level or sideline them from the sports they enjoy, seeking early medical attention, diagnosis, and effective treatment is critical to getting back on your feet.

Given the complexity of the foot and ankle – which consist of more than 100 intricately connected tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones, and 33 distinct joints – treating conditions and injuries affecting these structures requires attention from podiatrists and foot and ankle specialists who are fellowship-trained to specialize in issues of the foot and ankle.

At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, we have earned national recognition as one of the nation’s top orthopedic-only hospitals, according to U.S. News & World Report. By uniting leading podiatrists, foot and ankle specialists, nurses, technicians, physical therapists, and sports medicine doctors with state-of-the-art facilities that harness the power of advanced technology and techniques, we have been able to effectively treat patients suffering from a range of foot and ankle conditions, and provide patient-focused care that returns them to an active life.

In addition to accurately diagnosing a range of painful foot and ankle conditions, we are equipped with the breadth of experience to offer not only innovative surgical treatments performed in our leading-edge operating facilities, but also a range of effective and comprehensive non-surgical treatments, including:

Conservative or Non-Surgical Foot & Ankle Treatments

• Acupuncture
• Oral and Topical Anti-inflammatory Medication
• Arch Supports
• Bracing
• Cortisone Injections
• Custom Orthotics
• PRP Injections (Platelet-rich Plasma Injections)
• Physical Therapy
• Splints
• Taping

Non-Surgical Approaches for Foot & Ankle Conditions

In many cases, we begin treating patients with conservative care and non-surgical approaches to reduce pain and improve mobility without surgery. These treatments focus on helping patients manage pain and symptoms, as well as addressing underlying conditions, deformities, and instability without invasive surgery. Our team works together to develop customized treatment plans that may consist of:

• Pain management – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and pain medications to treat inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain.
• Bracing and splints – Bracing and splints can be used to immobilize parts of foot or ankle and facilitate healing, especially in cases involving fractures or sprains. Bracing and splints can be used in conjunction with weight-bearing and activity restrictions, the use of crutches or walking devices, and a gradual return to activity.
• Shoe modifications and orthotics – Some foot and ankle conditions may be treated by modifying footwear to relieve pressure and inflammation and reduce pain. Through the use of biomechanics, which combines the study of biology with mechanics of motion, custom orthotics such as insoles and arch supports can also aid in improving stability, reducing stress and strain, and maintaining proper positioning of bones and soft tissue.
• Injections – Some conditions, including chronic tendon injuries and arthritis, may be effectively treated with injections to reduce pain and swelling and restore normal function. These may include injections of corticosteroids for pain and symptom management or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to aid the body’s natural healing of injuries.
• Physical therapy – Physical therapy can be used with other forms of non-surgical treatment to help increase strength, flexibility, and function of the foot or ankle, promote recovery, and decrease the potential for re-injury and future problems

Find an Orange County Foot & Ankle Specialist Today

Hoag Orthopedic Institute focuses on tailored treatment and a comprehensive approach to patient care.

If you would like more information about non-surgical treatments for a foot or ankle condition, call (949) 705-6493 or find a foot and ankle specialist using our online physician directory.

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