foot and ankle experts patient report

Why do I need to visit a foot and Ankle Clinic?

The common reasons for patient’s presenting to the foot and ankle clinic are: Pain, swelling, deformity, stiffness, instability and/or abnormal gait[2]. For new patients or when the diagnosis has not been confirmed before, we recommend that the examiner should not read the previous notes prior seeing the patient.

How is the diagnosis of Foot and ankle problems made?

Obtaining adequate history and performing good clinical examination is a key in reaching the accurate diagnosis. Adjuvant tools like radiological images can be used to confirm what has been clinically suspected. INTRODUCTION Patients commonly present with foot and ankle problems, either in primary or secondary care clinics.

What is included in a foot and ankle exam?

Open in a separate window The examination of the foot and ankle is not complete until you perform neurovascular examination, an examination of the spine (deformity like scoliosis, hair tuft on the lower back), leg length, hip joint examination and knee joint examination. Open in a separate window

What are the most common foot and ankle injuries?

Tendon tears — tears in the body's tendons, commonly in the feet and ankles. Ulcers on the lower legs or feet — open sores or lesions that will not heal. To schedule an appointment with one of our orthopaedic experts or ask a question about foot and ankle services, complete a form online or call 1-866-987- 6784 ( ORTHO).

Order Extra Orthotics

If you already have orthotics from us and need another pair you can order them here

Advanced Treatments and a Conservative Approach

Our advanced diagnostic techniques and conservative approach to treatment have made us Seattle’s most trusted foot and ankle specialists. Thousands of satisfied patients are now walking and running pain-free because of our expert, dedicated physicians and staff.

The Best Treatment at the Lowest Cost

We always focus on providing you with the very best outcome for your foot problem. But we are also acutely aware of medical costs and will help you find the most effective treatment at the lowest cost. If a less expensive treatment is likely to give you the best outcome we will let you know that.

Why do patients come to the foot and ankle clinic?

The common reasons for patient’s presenting to the foot and ankle clinic are: Pain, swelling, deformity, stiffness, instability and/or abnormal gait [2]. For new patients or when the diagnosis has not been confirmed before, we recommend that the examiner should not read the previous notes prior seeing the patient.

What does it mean when your foot is wearing different patterns of wear?

Different patterns of wear indicate abnormal contact of the foot with the ground. Early lateral, proximal, and mid shoe wear, indicates a supination deformity; wear on the medial border indicates a pronation deformity[2]. In case of absence of any wear, it may simply reflect new or unused pair of foot wears.

How many bones are there in the foot?

There are 26 bones, 33 Joints and more than 100 ligaments, tendons and muscles in each foot[2]. On average, we walk 10000 steps per day, 1000000 steps per year and 115000 miles in our lifetime. The foot stands 3-4 times body weight during running.

Is swelling in the ankle bilateral or unilateral?

Swelling. It is important to establish whether the swelling is localized to one area or the whole leg or ankle, whether it is uni- or bilateral, associated with activities, as well as the frequency and the duration of swelling.

How to schedule an appointment for foot and ankle?

To schedule an appointment with one of our orthopaedic experts or ask a question about foot and ankle services, complete a form online or call 1-866-987- 6784 ( ORTHO). To request an appointment or learn about foot and ankle services, complete a form online or call 1-866-987- 6784.

What are the diagnostic tools used to diagnose joint pain?

Imaging technologies and other diagnostic tools include: Arthrograms — an x-ray to help diagnose the cause of unexplained joint pain. Bone scans. Computed tomography (CT) scans. Hand-held Doppler units — ultrasound tools that can detect a blockage in the blood vessels.

What is a hammer toe?

Hammer toes — deformity of the toes. Tendon tears — tears in the body's tendons, commonly in the feet and ankles. Ulcers on the lower legs or feet — open sores or lesions that will not heal. Other foot and ankle problems we treat.

Does UPMC Orthopaedic Care use invasive techniques?

At UPMC Orthopaedic Care, we never take shortcuts when it comes to choosing the right treatment . Whenever we can, we use minimally invasive techniques to treat your foot, ankle, or heel problem.