Sprains , broken bones , and other injuries can happen when you least expect it. Usually the timing is very inconvenient and can cause issues with all the plans and activities you have for your daily life. Seeing a foot and ankle surgeon within 24 hours of your injury can help you get the right diagnosis the first time and put you on the path to recovery as soon as possible!

The foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, and 19 muscles and tendons—and every day it withstands all the pressure and stress of our daily activities! The way your foot is structured, the way it works, and the way it affects other body areas (such as your back) add to its complexity. A foot and ankle surgeon has the in depth knowledge to diagnose and treat injuries and other conditions to ensure you are receiving the best care possible for your feet and ankles .

WHAT IS A FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEON?
Foot and ankle surgeons are not just for surgeries! They are Doctors of Podiatry Medicine who provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions, including common to complex disorders and injuries that affect people of all ages. Theirtraining includes four years at a podiatric medical school and a minimum three-year foot and ankle surgical residency program. F oot and ankle surgeons are trained to make all reasonable efforts to treat foot and ankle problems non- surgically if at all possible.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEON?

Most people have a foot or ankle problem at one time or another. How do you know if you when to see a foot and ankle surgeon ? Sometimes it’s obvious that you need to seek help, but at other times it’s less clear. In reality, many symptoms—even those you can tolerate—may require professional attention to keep the underlying condition from worsening.Pain or discomfort isn’t normal. It signals a problem that needs to be evaluated, diagnosed, and treated by a specialist who fully understands this part of the body.

Here are some reasons to see a foot and ankle surgeon:

  • An injury such as a sprain , broken bone , etc.
  • A medical condition ( diabetes , poor circulation, etc.) that can affect the feet
  • Impaired ability to function in certain activities
  • Heel pain in the morning
  • Any painful condition of the foot, ankle, or lower leg
  • Discomfort after standing for awhile
  • Changes in the appearance of your foot or ankle
  • An abnormal growth

Foot and ankle surgeons treat all symptoms and conditions affecting the foot and ankle, such as:

When you suffer an injury, this pain keeps you away from living your life like you would want. Dr. Kylin Kovac and Dr. Jed Erickson at Idaho Foot and Ankle Center are your Idaho Falls and Rexburg Foot and Ankle Surgeons! From injuries to routine check-ups, they are the specialists who are equipped to handle all your foot and ankle needs. They have locations in Idaho Falls and Rexburg, same day appointments available, and many innovative treatments including MLS Laser Therapy to help speed up the healing process. With early intervention, the proper diagnosis, and the right treatment plan, Dr. Kovac and Dr. Erickson can prepare a plan to help get you back to the activities you love! Contact our specialists at Idaho Foot and Ankle Center for all of your foot and ankle needs!





Some content provided by The ACFAS.