In this article, we’ll be talking about the various types of foot and ankle injuries. We will examine their causes, symptoms, and treatments. From bone fractures to ligament strains and tendon tears, we’ll explore the diverse range of injuries that can affect these areas of the body.
Feel free to get in contact with Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine to learn more about the treatment options for foot and ankle injuries. Our foot and ankle specialists can provide tailored treatments to help you recover from foot and ankle injuries effectively. Book your visit now at Granville or Coshocton, Ohio.
Injuries can occur in any part of the foot or ankle. The foot and ankle are comprised of bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Some of the common foot and ankle injuries are listed below.
Bone fractures can happen in the bones of the foot and ankle. Possible fractures include the following:
Ligaments are strong elastic bands of connective tissue that hold your bones in place surrounding a joint. A sprained ankle is when these ligaments are stretched beyond their normal range. An ankle sprain can occur on either side of your ankle.
Tendons connect muscles to bones. They help with movements and keep the foot and ankle stable. The tendons that are often injured include the Achilles tendon and the peroneal tendons. Foot and ankle tendon injuries can include the following:
Ankle and foot injuries often occur when the ankle joint is forced into an unnatural position. This can result in fractures, sprains, and strains. In the case of tendinosis, the tendons get damaged over time through repetitive overuse.
The symptoms of foot and ankle injuries depend on the injury. Below are some of the common symptoms for the different types of injury.
The symptoms of an ankle fracture are as follows:
Ankle sprains have similar symptoms to fractures. The symptoms of an ankle sprain include the following:
The degree of pain and swelling will depend on the severity of the injury.
Foot and ankle tendon injuries, such as acute tears and tendinitis, can cause pain and swelling. Tendinitis will also cause your ankle to feel warm. An acute tear may cause weakness or instability.
Tendinosis usually develops over a long time. The symptoms include the following:
If you have suffered a foot or ankle injury, you can immediately apply R.I.C.E., which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
You should get to a doctor as soon as possible to evaluate your injury. Fractures and sprains that are not treated properly can lead to chronic problems such as ankle weakness, repeated injury, or even arthritis.
At Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine, our foot and ankle surgeons in Newark, OH, and the surrounding area offer several surgical and non-surgical treatments for foot and ankle injuries. They include the following:
Fractures can be treated surgically or non-surgically. Non-surgical treatment involves immobilizing the ankle with a brace or cast if the bones are not displaced and the ankle is stable.
Surgical treatment is necessary for unstable fractures. Treatment involves fixing the bones in place using metal plates and screws. Following surgery, the bones are protected with a cast or splint.
Fractures usually take 6 weeks to heal. During this time, you will need to keep your weight off the injury to allow proper healing. Once the bones are healed, you may begin physical therapy.
The severity of the injury will determine treatment for sprains.
Tendon injuries are treated in a similar way to ligament sprains. Treatment may include:
Don’t let foot and ankle injuries hold you back from living life to the fullest. Take the first step towards recovery by scheduling an appointment with our experienced team at Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine.
Whether you’re dealing with a fracture, sprain, or tendon injury, our specialists are here to provide you with personalized care and effective treatment options. Contact us now to book your appointment at our convenient locations in Granville or Coshocton, OH, and let us help you get back on your feet. Your journey to recovery starts here!
Medically reviewed by Brad L. Bernacki, MD
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