Why would I see a podiatrist for a leg problem?
A common misconception of patients is that its not within our scope to treat anything above the ankle. Not true! In fact, most of the anatomical structures that exert an effect on the foot originate in the leg. For example, our calf muscle is responsible for flexion of our foot when the heel comes off the ground while walking. If your calf muscle is too tight, it can significantly alter your foot function and cause many of the foot conditions our physicians treat on a daily basis. As such, one of the most common surgical procedures our physicians perform is a lengthening of the calf muscle (also known as Gastrocnemius Recession). It is our philosophy at the Foot & Ankle Group to not only treat the specific area of symptoms but to understand and address the abnormal forces that caused the condition in the first place. There are different muscles in your leg to represent each motion your foot and toes perform.
Triceps Surae, Muscles of Leg
Another example of the legs’ affect on the foot is our nerves. Every sensation that is perceived and muscle that is contracted originates from our nerves. These nerves originate in our spinal cord and travel to our muscles and skin. Any abnormality along a nerves course can manifest as leg, ankle and foot pain.
