Foot and Ankle Injuries
At Ankle and Foot Care, we understand how foot and ankle injuries can impact your daily life. From minor sprains to complex fractures, these injuries require proper care to ensure full recovery. Here’s what you need to know about common foot and ankle injuries, their causes, and treatment options.
Common Foot and Ankle Injuries
Ankle Sprains
Description: Stretching or tearing of the ligaments that stabilize the ankle joint, typically caused by twisting or rolling the ankle.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight.
Fractures
Description: Breaks in the bones of the foot or ankle due to trauma, overuse, or stress.
Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, deformity, and inability to bear weight.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Description: Injuries to the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone, including tendonitis or rupture.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and difficulty pointing the toes or walking.
Plantar Fasciitis
Description: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot.
Symptoms: Heel pain, especially in the morning or after prolonged rest.
Stress Fractures
Description: Tiny cracks in the bones of the foot or ankle caused by repetitive stress or overuse.
Symptoms: Pain that worsens with activity and subsides with rest, localized swelling.
Tendon Injuries
Description: Strains or tears in the tendons that stabilize the foot and ankle, such as the peroneal or posterior tibial tendons.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area.
Dislocations
Description: Misalignment of the bones in the foot or ankle, often caused by trauma.
Symptoms: Deformity, severe pain, and inability to move the joint.
Causes of Foot and Ankle Injuries
- Trauma: Falls, accidents, or direct impact.
- Overuse: Repetitive motions during sports or physical activity.
- Improper Footwear: Lack of support or wearing shoes that don’t fit properly.
- Biomechanical Issues: Flat feet, high arches, or improper gait mechanics.
- Underlying Conditions: Osteoporosis or arthritis increasing susceptibility to injuries.
Diagnosis
At Ankle and Foot Care, we use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess injuries, including:
- Physical Examination: Evaluating the range of motion, swelling, and pain.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to identify fractures, ligament tears, or other structural damage.
Treatment Options
Conservative Treatments
- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE): To reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Bracing or Splinting: Stabilizes the injured area to prevent further damage.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Medications: NSAIDs to manage pain and inflammation.
Advanced Treatments
- Immobilization: Use of a cast or walking boot for fractures or severe sprains.
- Corticosteroid Injections: For persistent inflammation in conditions like plantar fasciitis.
- Laser Therapy: Stimulates healing of soft tissue injuries.
Surgical Intervention
- Recommended for severe injuries, such as complex fractures, tendon ruptures, or dislocations.
- Procedures include fracture fixation, tendon repair, or joint realignment.
Preventing Foot and Ankle Injuries
- Wear proper footwear with adequate support.
- Warm up and stretch before physical activities.
- Avoid sudden increases in activity intensity.
- Strengthen muscles around the foot and ankle to improve stability.
- Be cautious on uneven surfaces to prevent twisting injuries.
Get Expert Care for Foot and Ankle Injuries
If you’ve experienced a foot or ankle injury, Ankle and Foot Care is here to help. Schedule an appointment today to receive expert diagnosis and treatment tailored to your needs. Let us help you get back on your feet quickly and safely.