People of all ages and walks of life can suffer ankle injuries, preventing mobility, productivity, and quality of life. According to reports, about one million ankle injuries occur in the United States each and every year. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for ankle injuries.
Let’s talk about the nature of these acute and chronic problems, their symptoms, the treatment options available from your foot and ankle specialist, and where you can go for the treatment of ankle injuries in Port Charlotte, Florida.
The Most Frequent Ankle Injuries, Symptoms, and Treatments
Ankle Sprain
By far, the most common ankle injury is the ankle sprain. A sprain occurs when a sudden or repeated impact or twisting force over-stretches the supportive ligaments in the ankle, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Professional athletes, such as basketball and football players, often sustain high ankle sprains.
Many ankle sprains respond well to the tried-and-true RICE protocol–rest, ice, compression with an elastic bandage, and elevation of the affected limb. However, some sprains are so severe as to require splinting, casting, and offloading weight with crutches. Repeat or serious sprains may need surgery to install hardware (pins or plates) or remove damaged tissue fragments.
Fortunately, today’s arthroscopic surgeries use small instruments and tiny incisions to repair damage and get patients up and moving again more quickly. As needed, surgeons can repair badly torn ankle ligaments with reconstructive procedures which use donor tissue or the patient’s own tissues.
Finally, physical therapy helps to strengthen the sprained ankle and to increase flexibility and strength. Injection therapy with corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and pain, helping people feel and function more quickly.
Ankle Fracture
A car accident, a fall down stairs, or a sports collision can cause one or more ankle bones to fracture or break. Typically casting and crutches for weeks helps the repair itself.
However, in some complex cases, doctors must set the bones with surgery which may install screws or wires to stabilize and strengthen the ankle joint. Again, physical therapy completes the healing process and improves strength, motion, and flexibility for the long term.
Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is a chronic inflammation of the thick cord of connective tissue between the calf muscle and the calcaneus, or heel bone. Tendonitis causes swelling, stiffness, and limited ability to bear weight. Pain can be especially severe in the morning or after exercise.
Often caused by repetitive motions, such as running and jumping, Achilles tendonitis can respond to the RICE protocol. More severe tears may require casting or a walking boot and targeted physical therapy exercises are must-haves. Complete tears need surgical repair.
Ankle Injury Treatment in Port Charlotte, Florida
At Advanced Orthopedic Center, we provide the best in orthopedic care. Whether you have plantar fasciitis, a traumatic injury, or need a joint replacement, we will give you the attention you deserve to get you back on your feet and mobile again. The staff and physicians look forward to serving you.
To know more about our services, call us today at (941) 629-6262. We have two locations to serve you. You can also request your visit by filling in our secure online request form.
