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At one time or another, everyone has had a minor foot, or ankle injury that has caused them pain or swelling. Most of the time our body movements don't cause problems, but it is not surprising that symptoms can develop from every day wear and tear, overuse, or any injury. From sports or recreational activities to work-related tasks or projects around the home, your feet and ankles are prone to injury. Most minor foot and ankle injuries will heal on their own, and home treatment is typically all that is needed to relieve your symptoms and promote healing. However, if you suspect you may have a more severe injury, an evaluation by your Margate and Boca Raton podiatrist will be needed. Your podiatrist can provide you with onsite x-rays, as well as all types of orthopedic braces, supports and casting for proper diagnosis and treatment of your foot or ankle injury. Ankle Sprains Ankle sprains are typically caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones of the foot, which may result in excessive stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The severity of your sprain can impact the degree of damage, and the type or duration of treatment. If your ankle sprain is not properly treated, it may develop into long-term ankle problems. Symptoms of ankle sprains include pain following a twist or injury, swelling, and bruising. Treatment often includes resting and elevating the ankle while applying ice to reduce swelling. Serious ankle sprains, especially in competitive athletes, may require surgery to repair and tighten the damaged ligaments. In order to prevent ankle sprains it is important to try to maintain strength, balance, and flexibility in the foot and ankle through exercise and stretching, while wearing properly-fitted shoes. Fractures Almost one-fourth of all the bones in your body are in your feet, and a broken, or fractured, bone in your forefoot can be extremely painful. Fortunately, most of these injuries heal without operative treatment. There are two types of foot fractures: stress fractures and general bone fractures. Stress fractures usually occur in the bones of the forefoot extending from the toes to the middle of the foot and are like tiny cracks in the bone surface. Most other types of fractures extend through the bone, and are called bone fractures. They may be stable, in which there is not shift in the bone alignment, or displaced, in which the bone ends no longer line up properly. Bone fractures are often the result of trauma, such as dropping a heavy object on your foot, or from a twisting injury. Shin Splints Shin splints refer to pain on either side of the leg bone that is caused by muscle or tendon inflammation. Typically, the problem is related to a collapsing arch, but may also be caused by a muscle imbalance between opposing muscle groups in the leg. Proper stretching before and after exercise and sports, corrective shoes, or orthotics, can help prevent shin splints. Prevention In order to protect yourself from foot and ankle injuries it is important to take extra precautions in your day-to-day routine. To help prevent injury be sure to do the following:
* Wear the correct shoes for your activity
* Wear hiking shoes or boots in rough terrain
* Don't continue to wear any sports shoe if it is worn unevenly
* Always wear hard-top shoes when operating a lawn mower or other grass cutting equipment
* Don't walk barefoot on paved streets or sidewalks
* Watch out for slippery floors at home and at work
* Turn the light on if you get up during the night If an injury or accident does occur, be sure to contact your Margate and Boca Raton podiatrist for further diagnosis and treatment. Prevention and early treatment are the keys to healthy feet and ankles.
Associated Foot and Ankle Care consist of five podiatrists in Boca Raton and Margate: Drs. Jason Feit, Susan Goldberg, Bradley Todd, Robert Balandis, and Richard Nettboy. Together they bring over 25 years of experience to Associated Foot and Ankle Care, Margate and Boca Raton podiatrists.
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