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Foot and Ankle Injury services offered in Chicago, IL
If you or a loved one suffers a foot or ankle injury, don’t wait to seek treatment. Prompt diagnosis and intervention can reduce the risk of complications and speed up your body’s healing process. At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, in Chicago, Illinois, experienced foot and ankle surgeon Stephanie Oexeman, DPM, offers complete care for foot and ankle injuries. Depending on your needs, she might recommend rest, physical therapy, or surgery. To make an appointment with Dr. Oexeman at her office in Lincoln Park, call or book online today.
Foot and Ankle Injury Q & A
What is a foot and ankle injury?
A foot or ankle injury occurs due to damage to the bones, joints, tendons, muscles, or ligaments in your feet or ankles. Most foot and ankle injuries happen while working out or playing sports, but they can also occur during routine activities, like running errands.
If you experience a foot or ankle injury and it doesn’t respond to at-home treatments like ice or rest, make an appointment at Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, right away.
What are some common foot and ankle injuries?
At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, Dr. Oexeman treats various types of foot and ankle injuries, including:
- Ankle sprains
- Ankle strains
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Shin splints
- Stress fractures
- Turf toe
You might also benefit from treatment if you stub your toe or drop something heavy on your foot, like a free weight.
When should I see a foot specialist about a foot and ankle injury?
Make an appointment at Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, if you experience an injury and it results in sudden or severe pain and swelling. That’s especially true if the pain worsens or affects your ability to stand up, walk, or exercise.
How are foot and ankle injuries diagnosed?
At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, Dr. Oexeman diagnoses foot and ankle injuries during an in-office visit.
First, Dr. Oexeman reviews your medical records and asks about the injury, including what you were doing when it occurred, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and if at-home treatments provide any relief.
Next, she has you take off your shoes and socks and examines your feet, toes, and ankles. During the exam, Dr. Oexeman looks for bruising, swelling, or redness. She also gently presses on your ankles and heels to pinpoint areas of tenderness or sensitivity.
Next, Dr. Oexeman has you perform a series of easy stretches and mobility exercises. These tests help her assess your muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion. If Dr. Oexeman suspects you have a fracture or a torn ligament, she might also order X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI.
How are foot and ankle injuries treated?
At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, Dr. Oexeman treats foot and ankle injuries using an individualized and patient-centric approach. Whenever possible, Dr. Oexeman recommends conservative, minimally invasive treatments, like:
- Custom orthotics
- Corticosteroid injections
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
If you have a severe injury, like a fracture or a dislocated joint, Dr. Oexeman might recommend surgery. Dr. Oexeman performs several types of foot and ankle surgery, including traditional open surgery and minimally invasive surgery.
To receive treatment for foot and ankle injuries, make an appointment at Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, by calling the office or booking online today.