Foot, ankle and heel condition · Canton, OH
Foot and ankle injury treatment in Canton, OH
Foot and ankle injuries include sprains, strains, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, arthritis and bunions, and they can make standing and walking painful. At Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Canton, OH, we start with a full exam of your feet and how you walk, then walk you through non-surgical care options.
Reviewed by Dr. Brent Ungar, DC · Last reviewed [date]
- 40+ years in practice in Canton
- Over 300 five-star reviews
- No referral needed
Foot and ankle injuries at a glance
| Also called | Foot pain, ankle pain, ankle sprain, heel pain |
|---|---|
| Body area | Ankle, heel, arch, toes and the bottom of the foot |
| Structures involved | Bones, ligaments, tendons, joints and the plantar fascia |
| Common symptoms | Pain, swelling, stiffness, heel pain with the first steps, trouble walking |
| Common causes | Sprains and strains, overuse, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, bunions, foot mechanics |
| How we evaluate | Health history, foot, ankle and walking exam, imaging if needed |
| Care options | Custom foot orthotics, low-level laser therapy, chiropractic adjustments, physical rehabilitation |
| Referral needed? | No referral needed |
What is a foot and ankle injury?
A foot or ankle injury is damage or strain to the bones, ligaments, tendons or soft tissue of the foot and ankle. Common examples are sprains, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, arthritis and bunions. These problems can cause pain, swelling and stiffness that make standing and walking hard.
The foot and ankle carry your full body weight with every step, so small problems in how the foot moves can add up over time. Injuries range from mild sprains to fractures and ligament tears.
Ignoring foot and ankle pain or guessing at the cause can lead to further problems. That is why care starts with a full exam, including how you stand and walk.
Foot and ankle injury symptoms and causes
What do foot and ankle problems feel like?
Symptoms depend on what is injured and how it happened.
- Ankle or foot pain after a twist, roll or fall
- Swelling, bruising or stiffness
- Sharp heel pain with your first steps in the morning
- Pain along a tendon that gets worse with activity
- Pain at the base of the big toe that is worse in tight shoes
- Trouble walking, standing for long periods or putting weight on the foot
What causes foot and ankle injuries?
Some problems start with a single injury, and others build from daily strain.
- Sprains and strains from twisting or rolling the ankle
- Overuse from running, standing or walking for long hours
- Arthritis in the foot and ankle joints
- Plantar fasciitis, irritation of the tissue under the arch
- Tendinitis, such as in the Achilles tendon
- Bunions and foot mechanics such as flat feet or high arches
- Risk factors: unsupportive shoes, extra body weight, sudden increases in activity
Which foot or ankle problem is it?
Many foot and ankle problems feel alike. Your exam helps tell them apart, and imaging is ordered if a fracture is possible.
| Feature | Ankle sprain | Plantar fasciitis | Stress fracture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it hurts | Outside of the ankle, with swelling and bruising | Bottom of the heel or arch | A spot on a foot bone, often the top of the foot |
| Other signs | Started with a rolled or twisted ankle; may feel unstable | Sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after rest | Pain that builds with activity, swelling, tenderness on the bone |
| Often worse with | Walking on uneven ground or turning the ankle | First steps after rest and long standing | Running, jumping or long walks; eases with rest |
Get emergency care right away if
- You cannot put weight on the foot or take more than a few steps
- The foot or ankle looks out of shape, or a bone is showing
- Your foot is numb, or turns pale, blue or cold
- You have severe swelling or pain after an injury
- You have a red, hot, swollen foot with a fever
- You have calf pain and swelling, especially after a long trip or surgery
What to expect at our Canton office
Our typical process involves:
- Obtaining a thorough history of the problem and health history of the patient
- Performing a complete examination of the patient
- Obtaining any diagnostic tests (if necessary) to better understand the problem
- Discussing the diagnosis with you
- Reviewing the findings and treatment options with you
Every case is different and results vary.
Your first visit for foot and ankle pain
Before
Wear or bring the shoes you use most. Bring any imaging reports and a list of medications.
During
We ask how the pain started and what makes it worse, then check your foot and ankle, how you stand and walk, and your knees, hips and low back.
After
We explain what we found and the options that fit, so you can decide how to move forward.
Foot and ankle care options in Canton
Every care plan depends on your exam. Options your provider may recommend include:
- Custom foot orthotics Inserts made from a 3D scan of your feet to support the arch and spread pressure more evenly.
- Low-level laser therapy Non-invasive light therapy that may help reduce swelling and support healing in irritated tissue.
- Chiropractic adjustments Gentle care for the foot and ankle and the joints above them, such as the knee, hip and low back.
- Physical rehabilitation Stretching, strengthening and balance exercises to support the foot and ankle.
If imaging shows a fracture, a torn ligament or another injury that needs other care, your provider can refer you and coordinate with your physician or a podiatrist.
Foot or ankle pain keeping you off your feet?
Your foot and ankle care team
Dr. Brent Ungar, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician | Laser Therapy Educator
Dr. Anthony Gatelaro, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Over 30 Years of Experience
Foot and ankle questions we hear in Canton
Many mild sprains improve with rest and gentle movement. Get checked if you cannot walk on it, the pain or swelling is severe, or it is not getting better after a few days. An exam helps rule out a fracture or torn ligament.
Care often combines stretching, supportive shoes or custom orthotics, and therapies that calm the irritated tissue, such as laser therapy. Your provider builds a plan after looking at your foot, how you walk and what you do each day.
They may. Custom orthotics support the arch and spread pressure more evenly, which can ease strain on the heel, arch and ankle. We use a 3D scan of your feet to make them.
They can. How your feet move affects the joints above them, so flat feet or other foot mechanics may add stress to the knees, hips and low back. Your exam looks at how you stand and walk.
No referral needed. We order an X-ray or other imaging if your exam suggests a fracture or another injury that needs it.
Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center treats foot and ankle injuries at 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, in Canton, near North Canton, Massillon and the Belden Village area.
Visit our Canton office
- Address
- 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, Canton, OH 44718
- Phone
- 330-493-0009
- Hours
- Mon–Thu: Dr. Ungar 7:45 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Thu: Dr. Gatelaro 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri–Sun: Closed - Parking
- Free on-site parking
Patients visit us from Canton, North Canton and across Stark County.
Find out what is behind your foot or ankle pain
Start with a full exam of your feet and how you walk, and a clear talk about your options. Call 330-493-0009 or send a request.