If you’re experiencing foot and ankle pain, your orthopedic doctor will want to ask you some questions to obtain a clear picture of your problem, get to the bottom of it, and determine the best course of action for it.
Here are some common questions your doctor might consider asking you about your foot and ankle pain.
When Did It Start?
To determine the nature of your foot and ankle pain, whether it is acute or chronic, your orthopedic doctor will want to when it started, and what might have precipitated it.
Your orthopedic doctor may ask you these questions:
- How long have you had it?
- Did it come on gradually?
- Did you hurt yourself lately? Is it something that might be caused by an injury?
What Other Symptoms Do You Feel Besides Pain?
Your orthopedic doctor will also want to know what the pain is like and what other symptoms you might be having. For example, your doctor may ask you to describe the severity and type of pain you have (i.e., dull, nagging, stabbing, or burning pain) and if you’re experiencing swelling, redness, decreased range of motion, and tenderness, which can be indicative of an injury or arthritis.
Your orthopedic doctor will likely carry out a physical exam and order lab and medical imaging tests (X-ray, CT scan, and/or MRI). Your doctor will use the results of these tests to confirm a diagnosis—and if it is indeed arthritis, determine what type you have—and to ultimately guide them in creating an appropriate treatment plan.
What Have You Done So Far to Help with Your Pain?
You may have already tried some basic remedies for your foot and ankle pain prior to your appointment. Your doctor will want to know what these are, what worked, and what didn’t. For example, if you’ve already been using over-the-counter pain relievers, make sure to let your doctor know if you’re getting adequate relief from them. Your doctor may advise you to continue with the current treatment or recommend other modalities to help.
Which Specific Movements Make It Worse?
Your doctor will also want to know if any specific movements make your pain worse. This could be something like moving your foot into a certain position or just standing on it.
What Medications Are You Taking?
If your doctor is going to prescribe medications to treat your foot and ankle pain, they’ll first need to know what medications you’re already taking for other health conditions to make sure there are no potential drug interactions. They’ll also want to know if you have a drug allergy. This is crucial for preventing severe or fatal reactions (anaphylaxis).
Foot and Ankle Doctor in Plantation, FL
At Baylis & Brown Orthopedics, our board-certified orthopedic doctors provide exceptional, personalized care for the full range of musculoskeletal problems including those that affect the feet and ankles. We offer innovative, effective solutions to help you successfully manage—or even reverse—your pain, no matter its underlying cause.
If you have questions or would like to make an appointment with one of our providers, call our office today at 954-476-8800. You can also use our appointment request form. We look forward to helping you today!
