Foot and ankle injury is a painful problem. These injuries, from sprains and fractures to tissue inflammation, require a personalized treatment solution.
OrthoSports Associates can help identify the cause of your foot or ankle injury and create a comprehensive course of treatment. Our goal is to minimize the need for invasive procedures and help patients in the Greater Birmingham area recover quickly.
Before you schedule a personalized consultation with our medical team, let's explore the ankle and foot treatment options.
Common Foot and Ankle Injuries
You don't have to be an athlete to face a foot or ankle injury. These problems affect people of all ages and professions. The most common of them are:
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains occur when you stretch or tear the ligament (the connective tissue that attaches bones to each other) in the ankle. This usually happens after a sudden motion like twisting or rolling.
For example, you can sprain your ankle when playing sports on an uneven surface. The main symptoms are pain and swelling.
Ankle Fractures
An ankle fracture involves breaking one or more bones in the ankle joint. This often happens when your bone meets a sudden impact.
For example, you can suffer this injury if you fall or get into a car accident. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to bear weight on the broken ankle.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia. This tissue runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes.
The inflammation can occur due to weight gain, improper footwear, and sudden activity level changes. The symptoms include pain in the heel area, especially after long periods of rest.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This is the tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
The condition can occur if you put repetitive strain on the Achilles tendon or if you have tight calf muscles. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the back of the heel.
Diagnostic Services
Correct and fast diagnosis is the key to successful, minimally disruptive treatment. The OrthoSports medical team can identify the cause of the problem by arranging the following:
- Physical examination – assessing your range of motion and checking for bruising, swelling, deformities, and other signs of injuries
- Imaging tests - MRIs, CT scans, PET scans, and X-rays
- Blood tests – in some cases, blood tests are necessary for identifying the causes of ankle or foot injury
We arrange a comprehensive examination to discover the root of the problem and recommend the most effective treatment.
Treatment Options
The majority of foot and ankle injuries can be treated without surgery by implementing a combination of:
- Changes in everyday activity patterns
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Custom foot braces
- Custom-made orthotics (insoles)
If you sustain a severe sprain, a bad fracture, or a serious Achilles tendon tear, your doctor may recommend surgery. It might be necessary to prevent further tendon, ligament, or bone damage.
Trust OrthoSports Associates for Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Care
Ankle and foot injury can disrupt your quality of life. Even if it seems minor, left untreated, such an injury can become a severe problem. If addressed quickly, most of these problems can be treated without surgery.
OrthoSports has a team of experienced orthopedists who have helped many people in the Greater Birmingham area treat ankle and foot injuries. If you've suffered such an injury, please schedule an appointment today.
