By David Cheskis, DPM, AACFAS, DABPM
Ankle Injuries
Ankle Injuries are common, especially in those who participate in high-impact activities like running, jumping, or playing sports. Sprains and strains are the most common kind of ankle injuries, while ankle fractures and bone dislocations are less common.
How Ankle Injuries Occur
Ankle sprains happen the ligaments in the ankle stretch or tear. The symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking.
Ankle strains occur when the muscles or tendons around the joint are stretched, pulled, or torn owing to overextending or twisting the ankle.
Ankle Injury Symptoms
The symptoms include stiffness, swelling, muscle cramps or spasms, and weakness in the ankle. Like Ankle sprains, the severity of the injury affects the type of treatment necessary, often ranging from resting and icing to physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.
Ankle Injury Treatment
The severity of the injury determines the amount of ligament damage and the right treatment plan for recovery. Mild to moderate sprains usually heal with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
However, severe ankle sprains require medical attention, x-rays, and possibly the need for physical therapy and surgery.
Ankle fractures are more severe when ankle bones crack, chip, or break entirely. Fractured ankle symptoms include severe pain, swelling, inability to bear weight, pain with ankle movement, and possibly numbness.
Depending on the severity of the fracture, medical attention could include immobilizing the ankle, using crutches to move around, or commonly requiring surgical intervention.
Ankle Dislocation
Finally, an ankle dislocation occurs when the bones of the ankle become separated or misaligned due to a traumatic injury or severe sprain. Treating an ankle dislocation requires immediate medical attention. A “closed reduction” or manipulating the ankle into proper alignment without surgery, can often be performed in an office or emergency room setting. Surgery will usually be required as well.
Advanced Foot Care Can Help
In conclusion, common ankle injuries can result from sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations that can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or even moving the ankle joint. To prevent these ankle injuries, individuals may take preventative measures such as warming up before exercising, wearing supportive shoes or braces, and playing at safe speeds.
The doctors at Advanced Podiatry are ready to assess your injury and determine the most efficient treatment plan.
