The foot and ankle are a weight-bearing network of bones, tendons, and ligaments. Injury or damage to one of these structures can impact other areas and result in pain, swelling, and numbness.

Some issues are minor and easily treated at home, but others can keep you from leading an active lifestyle. Learn more about standard foot and ankle problems and how a specialist can help.

Ankle Sprains

Ligaments are rugged fibrous bands that connect bones in joints. An ankle twists or turns too far or is planted unevenly on a surface, which can stretch and tear the ligaments beyond their normal range. Most sprains are mild, but severe sprains can cause grapefruit-sized swelling and the inability to put weight on the injured ankle.

People with weak ankles or who participate in sports with sudden impact are more likely to sprain their ankles. In addition, certain activities, such as running or jumping, can increase the risk of injury.

A foot and ankle specialist like Surgical Associates can diagnose a sprain by examining the injured ankle and foot and manipulating the ankle in various ways. The doctor may also order an x-ray to determine the severity of the sprain and rule out a possible fracture (break). Protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (PRICE) along with early physical therapy, are typically effective treatments for minor sprains.

Stress Fractures

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in the bone that usually occurs when you place too much pressure on your foot over time. These injuries typically develop in the feet of athletes who suddenly increase their exercise intensity, including training for longer distances or on uneven surfaces, and people with jobs that require repetitive activity.

The best way to treat a stress fracture is to rest, avoiding high-impact activities like running until the doctor says it’s safe to resume them. Your doctor may prescribe acetaminophen to help manage pain and may suggest that you use ice packs on and off the injury site for 15 minutes every three hours.

Your physical therapist can teach you foot and ankle strengthening exercises to prevent new injuries. They may also recommend muscle-strengthening and balance training to help reduce the risk of re-injury once you return to your regular exercise routine. If your fracture doesn’t heal well, a specialist might perform surgery to insert fasteners around the injured bones, like pins, screws, or plates.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is pain that starts from the bottom of the heel. It can be felt when you stand or walk for long periods. It is usually worse when you first get out of bed or after a long period of inactivity.

The harsh band of tissue that connects your heel to the bones at the ball of your foot becomes inflamed, which results in this ailment. It acts like a rubber band to create tension and support the arch of your foot. It is more common in runners or people with jobs requiring them to be on their feet for long periods. It can also be triggered by wearing unsupportive shoes or being overweight.

A specialist can help you with treatment. They will recommend icing, stretching, and over-the-counter pain medications. They may also suggest physical therapy or extracorporeal shock wave treatment, which uses ultrasound waves to stimulate healing.

Achilles Tendinitis

The Achilles tendon is the tissue band connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. You use it when you walk, run, and jump. The tendon can become irritated and inflamed, causing pain in the back of your leg near your heel. The condition can be caused by a sudden increase in exercise or activity, wearing shoes that don’t fit well, or running up or down hills. You are also at risk if you have flat feet or are over 40.

A specialist can diagnose this problem by doing a physical exam. They will squeeze your calf muscle to see how much pain you feel and how flexible the ankle is. They may also order X-rays, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to help diagnose the problem. MRI uses radio waves and a solid magnet to produce detailed images of soft tissues like tendons. This can be useful in diagnosing the cause of your pain, as it shows how the tendons move when you’re active and inactive.

A qualified cannabis physician will perform a physical exam, complete and document a full assessment of your medical history and determine whether you qualify for a marijuana card. This process typically takes 20 – 30 minutes. If you meet the qualifications, a medical marijuana doctor will give you a patient ID number that you can use to register with your state.

Streamlined Appointments

Whether you’re a current medical marijuana patient or are seeking an evaluation to become one, your experience with your doctor can be a huge factor in the success of your treatment. A qualified doctor will take the time to examine and question you about your symptoms thoroughly. They will listen to you and provide an honest opinion on whether they think medical cannabis can help. Medical marijuana doctors like Texas 420 Doctors are educated on cannabis as a medicine and can determine if your conditions qualify you for the drug. This means they can create a personalized marijuana treatment plan for you. A great way to streamline your appointment is by offering telemedicine consultations. Unlike traditional MD or DO assignments, these can be done at any time of day. In addition to the streamlined appointment, medical marijuana doctors can help expedite the process of completing the state’s application. They will make sure you have the correct paperwork, forms, and medical records ready to go so that you can complete your registration or renewal. Additionally, they will alert you if your physician certification is approaching its expiration date so you can schedule an appointment to get recertified.

Convenient Locations

A qualified marijuana doctor knows that patients are eager to get relief from their debilitating symptoms and will work hard to schedule appointments that accommodate their busy lives. They are also familiar with state laws and understand the limitations on physician access to medical marijuana patients. Depending on your condition, medical marijuana may ease the pain of cancer treatment, reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, or help you sleep better. Medical marijuana can come in various forms, including dried flowers, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. A qualified marijuana doctor will ask you to bring a government-issued photo ID and a list of your current medications. They will also review your health records and determine if cannabis is an appropriate medication to treat your symptoms. They will explain how to use the medicine and discuss the risks. They will also recommend entering your name into the medical marijuana registry. Your certifying doctor must do this for each patient before you can purchase from a dispensary. You will be subject to legal repercussions if you do not complete this step.

No Waiting

Marijuana is a plant with multiple medicinal properties. It contains two active compounds; one is cannabidiol (CBD), and the other is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It has several therapeutic properties and has been found to help with chronic pain, PTSD, seizures, and many other conditions. Although it remains illegal on a federal level, 29 states and DC have legalized marijuana. While medical marijuana is still a very new industry, physicians are working to navigate uncharted legal territory to provide patients with the relief they need. It is important to find a doctor willing to work with state regulations and stay up to date on the latest research on medical cannabis.

Qualified doctors are also able to expedite the process of getting your card. They can provide a medical marijuana recommendation to eligible patients, which is needed to register online with the state. This will allow patients to purchase medical marijuana at a dispensary. In addition, the doctor can provide a government-issued photo ID to the patient and caregivers for identification purposes.

Knowledgeable Staff

Providing patients with the information and advice they need to treat their conditions effectively is one of the most important tasks of any doctor. A medical marijuana doctor is no different. They will take the time to explain the benefits, side effects, and contraindications of cannabis. They will also be knowledgeable about the current state of medical marijuana research, ensuring that their recommendations are based on the latest scientific evidence.

Marijuana has several medicinal compounds, including CBD and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both have been shown to have therapeutic effects for many health conditions. However, it is still illegal at the federal level and must be obtained through a qualified physician’s recommendation. Medical marijuana doctors are willing to navigate uncharted legal areas and make it possible for their patients to access a medication that can help ease pain, anxiety, nausea, spasms, and more. These doctors are dedicated to reducing the burdens and time associated with obtaining your medical card and helping you find relief from your symptoms. They are a true lifesaver for many people who need the natural treatment that marijuana can provide.

Experience

Many people are still unsure about the process of qualifying for medical marijuana. So many factors are involved, from self-reporting health symptoms to the cost of multiple appointments to get a formal diagnosis.

A qualified marijuana doctor can help make this process as simple and stress-free as possible. A physician who is familiar with the medical benefits of cannabis can help patients find the right products and dosages to treat their specific health conditions. Marijuana physicians should also be able to answer any questions that patients may have about the law or regulations in their state. This will ensure patients receive the most accurate information to avoid potential issues. A medical marijuana recommendation is valid for one year, and annual renewals are required. Finding a qualified, compassionate, cannabis-friendly doctor is important in obtaining your medical card. By understanding the benefits of working with a qualified marijuana doctor, you can save time and money while ensuring you receive the treatment you need to alleviate your symptoms.