The foot and ankle are complicated systems of bones, tendons, and joint ligaments. They are the main site of injury in sports such as football, basketball, ice hockey, and soccer, as well as in other activities such as walking on uneven ground or in high heels. Foot and ankle specialists can help you understand how your feet work and identify any problem that can limit your mobility.
The specialist will take X-rays to assess the structure of your feet and ankles and help you choose appropriate footwear if necessary. You might also be referred to physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment if it appears that you have a problem that needs fixing.
The common types of foot and ankle injuries include the following;
Sprains and strains: The foot and ankle area is very susceptible to sprains and strains. These occur when the area’s ligaments, tendons, and muscles are stretched or pulled. Sprains can be mild, moderate, or severe. A mild sprain usually causes only temporary pain and swelling, while a severe sprain can cause severe pain and swelling.
Strains are similar to sprains but occur when muscles or tendons are pulled over time. This can lead to a partial tear of some of the muscle tissue in your foot or ankle, which often causes bruising and swelling around your joint. If you have sprains and strains, it is advisable to seek help from a foot and ankle specialist.
Fractures: Fractures are one of the most common injuries that can occur to the foot and ankle. They are caused when an unstable joint is broken or damaged, causing the bones to fracture. Fractures can range from simple breaks to complex fractures that require surgery.
Fractures can also occur in other joints, such as the tibial plateau or talus. These types of fractures are known as open fractures because they leave a large wound and can be difficult to heal. A foot and ankle specialist can help fix fractures.
Torn ligaments: Ligaments are fibrous bands that connect bones. They help stabilize the joints and provide support to bones. Ligaments also connect muscles to bones, which allows for the movement of the joint.
A torn ligament is a condition in which a ligament has been stretched or torn beyond its normal range of motion. It can cause pain and swelling around the injured area, making it difficult for you to move your foot or ankle properly.
Torn ligaments often occur when athletes twist or fall on their feet (or ankles). They can be treated with rest and immobilization to help prevent further damage to the ligaments, so consult a foot and ankle specialist.
Bursitis: Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, which is a small sac that surrounds the bones. This inflammation can be caused by trauma, such as an injury to the foot or ankle.
Bursitis occurs in the soft tissue around the joint and is often associated with arthritis. The inflammation causes pain and swelling around the joint, which can lead to limited joint mobility. Bursitis can also cause bone spurs to form around the joint and multiply, making it harder for you to move your ankle or foot properly.
The most common cause of bursitis is repetitive stress on a tendon or ligament during activity such as running or basketball. A foot and ankle specialist can help determine if you have bursitis and offer the best treatment.
Foot and ankle specialists can help you to get back to your normal life. At Foot and Ankle Specialists, they can treat your foot or ankle injury with the necessary care to get you back on track.
