Ankle & Foot Injuries Specialist

What are Common Foot Injuries?

The feet absorb much of the pressure and stress taken in by the body with every step taken. This pressure, combined with poorly fitting shoes, and complications from other medical issues like diabetes, makes the feet susceptible to injury. There are sports related injuries like turf toe, plantar fasciitis, bunions and stress fractures. Fractures are other common injuries in the toes and feet.  

What Are Common Ankle Injuries?

Ankles are also frequently injured because of their important roles of moving the foot through the walking motion and being the first major joint to absorb the pressure from any movement. Ankles are often strained or sprained due to the number of ligaments and tendons present in the area, which are essential to movement, but can be pulled or stretched resulting in a painful injury. Fractures are also common ankle injuries.

When Should I See a Doctor About an Injury?

If you think you have an injury to your foot or ankle that is an obvious fracture you should seek treatment immediately. Indicators that medical attention is necessary include: redness, swelling, bruising or difficulty walking. If you are in pain, and the RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) at home treatment is not reducing the pain or swelling within three days, you should make an appointment with Dr. Patel for assessment and treatment.

What are Common Treatments for Foot and Ankle Injuries

Treatment will depend on your injury. Dr. Patel will prescribe either prescription or over the counter oral anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, which can be used to decrease pain, swelling, and inflammation. If a bone is broken, the injured area will be numbed with a local anesthetic and he may attempt to “reduce” the fracture, or line up the ends of the bones so they can heal properly and fuse back together. If the the ends of the bone do not stay in place after a reduction, surgery may be needed. In some cases, metal plates and screws may be installed to hold the bones together. Stress fractures are treated with rest and immobilization. Patients are instructed to stay off the affected area until healing is complete. Crutches and/or a special boot or cast may be used to immobilize the area. Sprains are also treated with a period of immobilization, the length of which will depend on the extent of the injury.