Foot and ankle traumas refer to injuries of the lower extremities resulting from a quick twist, turn or pull of your leg. Your foot and ankle consist of various bones, ligaments, and muscles that stabilize balance, and their damage can affect your work or movement. Foot and ankle injuries mainly occur during sports or physical activities. Accidents, poor training practices, or improper gear can cause foot and ankle trauma. Brooklyn foot and ankle trauma can be treated by pain relievers, physical therapy, and surgery for severe injuries. There are various forms of foot and ankle trauma, which include:
Achilles tendonitis or tear
The largest tendon in your body, the Achilles, connects your two primary calf muscles to the heel bone. The tendon runs lengthwise down the back of the ankle. Overuse of this tendon causes inflammation, a condition known as Achilles tendonitis, characterized by a popping noise and heel pain after landing a jump. Recurrent inflammation and damage over a long period can lead to total rupture of the tendon.
Ankle sprain
The ligaments in your ankle prevent your joints from moving too far from side to side. A sprain occurs when one or more of your ankle ligaments have been stretched or torn. You can treat minor sprains by resting or using ice to relieve pain and inflammation. Untreated moderate and severe sprains can weaken your ankle, causing repeated sprains or other ankle traumas. Repeated ankle sprains may lead to arthritis.
Foot stress fractures
Your foot bones can damage due to the impact of excessive and recurrent force. Acute fractures result from particular traumatic injury, and stress fractures are caused by repetitive impact over time. Stress fractures can occur if you change your usual physical activity; for example, a sudden increase in your regular workout or change in exercise surface can cause this trauma. Tiny cracks in your foot bones can occur if they do not have to heal between workout sessions.
Ankle fractures
Traumatic injury or impact can cause a fracture in one of your ankle bones. An ankle fracture is a more severe trauma than an ankle sprain and can affect one or multiple bones. Pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and blistering are some of the symptoms associated with this type of injury, and it is a severe trauma that requires medical attention. If a bone is protruding from your skin, visit your doctor immediately to lower the risk of infection.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common form of foot and ankle injury. It arises when the tissue Fascia band in the arch of your foot swells, causing a sharp pain in your foot heel. You experience discomfort or pain with the first steps you take after resting for a long time. Pain subsidizes once you stretch the fascia band, but it will flare up again each time it rests. You can treat plantar fasciitis with simple rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, or wearing a heel pad.
Most foot and ankle traumas will heal within weeks. Severe injuries may take months. After treatment, you can consult your doctor on the best exercises to help strengthen your ankle muscles. Schedule an appointment at DeLoor Podiatry Associates to avoid being slowed down by foot and ankle trauma.
