Question
I am a 53 yr. old woman and I am having trouble with my left leg. I get a deep achy pain which can extend down the front of my leg to my foot and up through my thigh. It is the worst when I am in bed at night and in the morning before I get up. When I was into my primary care physician he said that my left leg is curved and that I probably have an incorrect gait which affects that leg. I did sprain that knee about 20yrs. ago. I walk and bike ride moderately for excercise.My feet seem to have more and more trouble if I don't wear supportive shoes. He recommended seeing a podiatrist, but I am wondering if an orthopedic doctor would be better. What would you recommend? The pain has increased and become more frequent over the last few months.Thank you for your input.

Answer
This Chicago Podiatrist, Elmhurst Podiatrist & South Loop Podiatrist says.......

Dear Virginia,
For your leg pain----
A Board Certified Podiatrist in Ankle Orthopedics or Surgery submits 75 surgical cases to be certified in  foot & or ankle.
A Board Certified Orthopedist may submit at most 12 foot & ankle cases to be certified
An Orthopedist who does a Fellowship in Foot & Ankle Surgery would be equivalent to a good Board Certified Podiatrist.
There is nothing wrong with wearing orthotics in shoes to support your feet-which may take pressure off your knee.
If you are overweight-Please lose weigh by dieting-That will help a lot
It's also OK to wear a knee brace-when needed.Go to our web-store at AnkleNFoot.com for examples
I also have an old knee injury & I wear a brace when exercising-all the time-even though it may bother me 50% of the time. The brace does not weaken you to wear a few hours a day.
A good podiatrist should also be able to refer you to an orthopedist if the orthotics won't be able to help your knee pain. The podiatrist should also exam the knee & maybe even look at the x-rays & determine what is best for you!
Good Luck
Hope This Helps

We are close to both Chicago airports & are Experts in Ankle Injuries.
I have been skiing for 40 years.

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com
LaserforToenails.com

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