Foot & Ankle Care

You should see a foot and ankle specialist if your pain lasts more than a week or two, keeps coming back, or interferes with daily activities. If you have symptoms like swelling, instability, numbness, or difficulty walking, that may indicate a more serious condition that should be seen sooner. Early evaluation helps prevent worsening injuries and speeds up recovery. Getting expert foot and ankle care, at Atlantic Orthopaedics, can ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

Choosing the right specialist depends on the severity and type of your condition. A podiatrist tends to focus on general foot care, while an orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist treats more complex conditions involving bones, joints, and ligaments. If you have persistent pain, injuries, or need advanced treatment or surgery, an orthopaedic specialist may be recommended. Dr. Eilts and Dr. Guild are our foot and ankle specialists; both providers can evaluate your symptoms and guide you to the right care.

A foot and ankle specialist treats a wide range of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, arthritis, minimally-invasive bunion correction, tendon injuries, fractures, and nerve issues. They also manage symptoms like heel pain, arch pain, swelling, and instability. Treatment options may include physical therapy, injections, orthotics, or surgery. Our goal at Atlantic Orthopaedics is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and prevent future injuries.

You can find experienced foot and ankle specialists at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Portsmouth, NH, as well as nearby locations in Dover, NH and York, ME. Our team provides comprehensive care for foot pain, ankle injuries, and chronic conditions. Patients have access to advanced diagnostics, non-surgical treatments, and surgical options. Scheduling a consultation is the first step toward lasting relief.

Heel pain is often caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or heel spurs. It can develop from overuse, improper footwear, or strain on the foot’s ligaments and tendons. Pain is typically worse in the morning or after long periods of standing. A foot and ankle specialist can diagnose the cause and recommend effective heel pain treatment.

An ankle that feels weak or unstable may be a sign of ligament damage, often from a previous sprain that didn’t fully heal. This instability can increase your risk of repeated injuries and long-term joint problems. You may notice difficulty balancing or a sensation that your ankle might “give out.” One of our foot and ankle providers can evaluate the joint and recommend strengthening or stabilization treatments.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain caused by inflammation of the tissue that supports the arch of your foot. It is generally caused by overuse, tight calf muscles, or poor foot mechanics. Treatment typically includes stretching, physical therapy, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory therapies. Most cases improve with non-surgical foot pain management.

Yes, many foot and ankle conditions can be treated without surgery using conservative methods. Common treatments include physical therapy, custom orthotics, activity modification, and injections. These approaches aim to reduce pain, improve function, and promote healing. Surgery is usually only recommended if non-surgical treatments do not provide relief.

Foot and ankle surgery may be necessary when your pain is severe, persistent, or caused by structural damage that does not respond to conservative treatment. Conditions like fractures, tendon ruptures, or advanced arthritis may require surgical intervention. The goal of surgery is to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent further complications. One of our foot and ankle specialists at Atlantic Orthopaedics will determine the best approach based on your condition.

Foot and ankle pain is diagnosed through a combination of a physical exam, medical history, and imaging when needed. Specialists assess your symptoms, range of motion, and walking pattern to identify the cause. Using diagnostic tools like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound can often offer a more detailed view and an accurate diagnosis, which is essential for creating an effective treatment plan moving forward.