Robert A. Raley DPM SC
Comprehensive Foot Care

Foot Injuries

Podiatrist, Foot & Ankle Surgeon in Meadowview, Kankakee, IL

Foot Injuries services offered in Meadowview, Kankakee, IL

Foot injuries are one of the most common reasons that people visit podiatry care. If you twist your ankle or stub your toe and think it’s broken, don’t wait to seek treatment. Dr. Robert A. Raley and his team provide same-day diagnosis and treatment of foot injuries. To make an appointment, call the office in Kankakee, Illinois, or book online today.

Foot Injuries Q&A

What are foot injuries?

Foot injuries occur due to trauma or general wear-and-tear. They can affect hard tissues, like your bones and joints, or soft tissues, like your muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Most foot injuries are minor and respond to at-home treatments, like ice, rest, and activity modification. If your symptoms persist, worsen, or affect your mobility, contact Dr. Raley and the team immediately.

What are the symptoms of foot injuries?

The symptoms of foot injuries include:

  • Sudden or throbbing pain
  • Pain that worsens during activity
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Tenderness
  • Difficulty walking or bearing weight

If you dislocate a joint or break a bone, you might also hear a popping, cracking, or crunching sound when the injury occurs.

What are some examples of common foot injuries?

Dr. Raley and the team diagnose and treat various foot injuries, including:

Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury that causes your Achilles tendon to become inflamed. While anyone can experience the condition, it’s most common in athletes, like runners. 

Sprained ankle

A sprained ankle occurs when you step down awkwardly or twist your ankle, causing the ligaments around the joint to overextend. The result is immediate pain and swelling, making it difficult to stand up or move around. 

Foot and ankle fractures

Foot and ankle fractures occur due to trauma, like car accidents or collisions while playing sports. If you have a minor fracture, Dr. Raley might recommend a cast or a splint. More complex fractures often require surgery. 

Plantar fasciitis 

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury characterized by intense heel pain. It occurs when your plantar fascia –– a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot –– develops small tears. These tears become inflamed, resulting in increased sensitivity and mobility issues.

How are foot injuries treated?

Treatment of foot injuries depends on various factors, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and their effect on your quality of life. Dr. Raley and the team might recommend:

  • Wearing comfortable and supportive shoes
  • Custom orthotics
  • Physical therapy
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Bracing with a cast or a splint
  • Ice, rest, and elevation
  • Mobility devices, like crutches or a cane
  • Activity modification
  • Losing weight
  • Eating a better diet

If your injury fails to heal with conservative treatments, Dr. Raley and the team might recommend surgery. To reduce the risk of infection and speed up your recovery process, Dr. Raley uses a minimally invasive operative approach whenever possible.

To learn more about the treatment options for foot injuries, make an appointment at the practice of Dr. Robert A. Raley by calling the office or booking online today.