Receive Advanced Care for Foot & Ankle Problems in the Merced County Region

There are many ligaments, tendons, nerves, and muscles in your foot and ankle. With 26 bones and 33 joints in your foot, and three bones in your ankle joint, there are plenty of opportunities for something to go wrong and cause problems.

If you need treatment for an ankle injury or foot problem that is causing pain and discomfort, make an appointment with a skilled foot and ankle doctor at Dignity Health. Our trusted orthopedic team provides complete care to evaluate, diagnose, and treat foot and ankle problems in Sacramento and surrounding areas. To schedule your visit, Find a Doctor online or call 855.820.1846 and get a doctor referral.

Causes of Foot and Ankle Problems

The following are common causes of foot and ankle conditions and injuries:

• Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly
• Age-related wear and tear of joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles
• Sports injuries
• Ordinary slips and falls
• Improperly fitting shoes
• Car accidents

Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Problems

Signs and symptoms of foot and ankle conditions and injuries depend on the specific problem. Pain is a common symptom. It can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term), dull or sharp, and may worsen with activity or when wearing shoes. Sometimes, pain can even occur with the slightest touch.

Other symptoms can include:

• Swelling
• Numbness
• Redness
• Bruising
• Changes in the appearance of a toe or other part of the foot

Highly trained professionals at Dignity Health provide care for the following foot and ankle problems throughout the Merced County Region:

• Nerve problems, including Morton’s neuroma
• Heel pain and spurs
• Hammertoes
• Foot sprains and fractures
• Bunions
• Blisters, corns, and calluses
• Arthritis
• Ankle sprains and fractures
• Achilles tendon problems

Treatment for Foot & Ankle

Treatment and prevention options depend on your specific problem and your medical history. Many common foot conditions respond to an adjustment in your footwear. This includes getting shoes with a proper fit, buying shoes that accommodate your problem, and using inserts, pads, and orthotics to improve your foot comfort and alignment.

Further treatment options that our team may suggest include:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Anti-inflammatory medicines
• Corticosteroid shots
• Foot and ankle surgery

If your Dignity Health doctor recommends surgery, you may need to wear a boot or cast to prevent fractures as you are healing. Physical therapy can also help your injury heal and prevent future problems.