Foot & Ankle Injuries

What Are Common Foot & Ankle Injuries?

Sports injuries affect the foot and ankle and can occur when partaking in any type of athletic or sports activity where there is a risk of trauma or atypical stress to the area The most commonly experienced injuries include:

• Achilles ruptures
• Ankle sprain
• Broken toes
• Bruised heels
• Bunions
• Calcaneal fracture
• Cartilage injury
• Dislocated toes
• Fractured metatarsals
• Jones Fractures
• Ligament tear
• Midtarsal joint sprain/Lisfranc dislocation
• Midfoot fracture
• Navicular fracture
• Osteochondral defect
• Plantar fasciitis
• Plantar plate injuries
• Sesamoiditis/sesamoid fracture
• Stress fractures
• Talar fracture
• Tendonitis/tendon ruptures
• Turf Toe

Several sports injuries can be prevented or chances reduced when athletes adhere to the recommendations of the podiatrist. Wearing the proper shoes, strengthening the muscles around the joint and stretching, wearing custom orthotics and warming up appropriately can aid in many impediments.

When Should I See a Podiatrist?

If you are experiencing any of the following issues or symptoms you should make an appointment to see Dr. Patel for diagnosis and treatment

• Severe swelling
• Great discomfort, especially when walking
• Unable to perform typical everyday tasks after 3 days
• Sensations of pins and needles or loss of feeling in the foot or ankle

If you think you have an injury to your foot or ankle that is an obvious fracture you should seek treatment immediately.  If you have employed the RICE therapy of rest, ice, compression, and elevation to address the injury without significant results and are either unable to walk after 3 days or the pain is not reducing, you should see a doctor. Additionally, if weakness persists for longer than 14 days you should also come in.

What Treatments Are Used for Foot & Ankle Injuries?

Generally, Dr. Patel will order X-rays and may order a CT scan or an MRI so that he can see the inner workings of the injured body part to properly diagnose and determine treatment.  Treatments usually  include:

• An immobilizing boot may be employed.
• Resting the foot and applying ice regularly while elevating the appendage can help mild to moderate injuries heal.
• NSAID pain medications such as ibuprofen can be utilized to minimize swelling as well as prescribed pain relievers.
• Surgery to fix a fracture or tendon tear or cartilage injury

Physical therapy is recommended once the acute phase of the injury has passed to regain peak performance. Some conditions such as fractures or significant tendon ruptures might require surgery.  You can be sure Dr. Patel will be there to take care of you and guide you every step of the way!