Ankle & Foot Pain Specialist in Orange County
Struggling with ankle or foot pain? Don’t let it hold you back any longer. Reach out to OC Sports and Wellness today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards pain-free living. Our team is committed to creating a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs, so you can return to the activities you love.
For athletes, foot and ankle pain is all too common. These injuries often stem from overuse or trauma. At OC Sports and Wellness, we offer a range of safe and effective non-surgical treatments designed to restore full function to your ankle or foot without discomfort.
Ankle injuries are among the most common orthopedic issues, frequently caused by the ankle rolling inward, leading to torn ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Recovery times vary based on the severity of the sprain, but most cases do not require surgery. Our approach to treatment emphasizes rest, ice, compression, and elevation, supplemented with anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief. Physical therapy is integral to our recovery plans, helping you regain strength and mobility while preventing future injuries. In cases of acute sprains, a boot or brace is essential for protection and to prevent recurrence.
Whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or simply looking to stay active, foot or ankle pain can severely disrupt your life, making it difficult to engage in the activities you enjoy.
Symptoms
As an active individual, it’s normal to experience occasional aches and pains. However, if your discomfort persists, it’s time to consult a sports injury specialist. Ankle and foot injuries can present in many ways, from sharp pain and swelling to subtle yet persistent discomfort. Be on the lookout for these warning signs:
- A popping sound or sensation during the injury
- Difficulty running, walking, or bearing weight
- Sharp pain around the ankle
- Tenderness when touching the affected area
- Joint stiffness or swelling
- Bruising or limited range of motion
- Dull, constant aches
- Pinching sensations or instability
Services
At our practice, we believe that a prompt diagnosis, early intervention, and preventing future issues are key to ensuring your optimal foot and ankle health. We offer a full range of services for all of your foot and ankle needs in Orange County.
Our services include the evaluation and treatment of:
- Painful foot and ankle conditions
- Sports injuries
- Foot and ankle sprains
- Trauma and fracture care
- Tendon injuries
- Arthritis
- Other injuries
Experience Relief from Ankle and Foot Pain
We know you have options when choosing a foot and ankle specialist, and we are honored that you’ve placed your trust in us. Dr. Sunshine is dedicated to providing personalized care, where you are an active partner in creating a treatment plan that works best for you. Your well-being is our top priority, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is caused by injuring the Achilles tendon, often through overuse, located at the back of the lower leg, close to the heel bone. While anyone can develop this condition it is most often seen in those who run. The pain associated with this condition can increase over time if the condition is not treated.
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is a common ailment of sports and other activities such as walking, hiking, and jogging. It occurs when the person twists or rolls the ankle in some awkward manner, stretching the ligaments within the ankle. Ligaments stabilize the ankle joint, thus preventing excessive movement. Most sprained ankles are due to damage to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle.
Foot and Ankle Osteoarthritis
Foot and ankle osteoarthritis is seen in many people as they age. This is commonly associated with a loss of cartilage within the affected joint. This problem leads to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints. Most commonly, it is seen in the ankle joint, the midfoot, or in the big toe.
Hallux Rigidus
Arthritis in the big toe, also known as hallux rigidus, is a common cause of pain, swelling, and stiffness in the big toe. It is aggravated by excessive upward movement of the big toe joint, such as prolonged running or walking uphill. Tenderness and swelling usually occur over the top of the joint, and a large bone spur can also form. This painful joint can also cause pain in other areas of the foot, as people try to avoid putting pressure on the great toe and putting more weight on the outside of the foot.
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially after a sprain or injury, it’s crucial to seek professional advice. Self-care may suffice for minor injuries, but Dr. Sunshine can help determine if a more thorough evaluation is needed. Severe symptoms could indicate significant ligament damage or even a fracture.
At OC Sports and Wellness, we empower you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your health. Our personalized treatment plans focus on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving your mobility.
Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus (OLT)
An osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) is an area of damaged cartilage and bone on the top of the deep ankle bone within the ankle (talus). It is also known as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the talus. Sometimes, it can occur after a bad ankle sprain. It can also occur with ankle instability or overload of the ankle due to malalignment. Some OLTs are asymptomatic. Others can present with significant pain, swelling, clicking, or catching of the ankle joint. The pain generally is worse with higher levels of activity such as running or jumping.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia that travels along the bottom of the foot. This tissue connects the heel bone to the toes. The pain felt with this condition can be intense and is felt primarily in the heel. In severe cases if gone untreated, a person may lose their ability to walk.
Posterior Tibial Tendinitis
The technical name for this condition is Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction and is a very common problem of the ankle and foot. It is the result of the posterior tibial tendon tearing or becoming inflamed. When this happens, the tendon cannot provide support and stability for the arch of the foot. Treatments may include orthotics and braces, as well as physical therapy.
Other Condtions
There are a few other problems that can cause ankle, foot, or heel pain, so it is important to be evaluated to rule out some of the other less common causes. MRI is initially not indicated, but it can be helpful to rule out other causes of heel pain after conservative management fails to improve symptoms.
Dr. Sunshine emphasizes minimally invasive treatments and conservative techniques to protect your ankles and feet, ensuring long-term results. Take the first step towards lasting relief—call 949-460-9111 today and reclaim your active lifestyle.
We hope this information is helpful. At OC Sports and Wellness in Orange County, we understand the importance of balancing your health with a busy lifestyle. That’s why we offer convenient options for scheduling visits, texting, or video chatting with Dr. Sunshine. Let’s work together towards your well-being! Feel free to reach out to us at 949-460-9111.
Our sports medicine practice is within driving range of Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, City of Orange, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine Sports Medicine, La Habra, La Palma, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, and Yorba Linda. We look forward to seeing you soon!