Your ankle and foot are a complex mechanism of bone, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles that support your weight while walking and running. Foot and ankle injuries happen frequently for people who are physically active or are athletes. Several common foot and ankle injuries range from minor sprains and strains to severe fractures.
Orthopedic injuries can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life and, when not treated correctly, can trigger long-term pain and discomfort. Understanding the types and causes of these injuries is effective for both prevention and management. When you have been hurt, contact Richmond Orthopedic Institute to speak with a physician who can help you with a treatment plan.
Ankle Arthritis
Ankle arthritis can be broken down into three major types: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Post-traumatic arthritis.
What are the differences?
- Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease in which cells within your body attack the lining of your ankle joint causing damage to the cartilage.
- Osteoarthritis is “wear and tear” arthritis that gradually wears away as a person ages.
- Post-traumatic Arthritis is damage to the cartilage that may form after an injury such as an ankle fracture or dislocation.
What are some symptoms of ankle arthritis?
- Stiffness of the ankle joint
- Crunching or popping noises with movement of the ankle joint
- Pain with activity or walking
- Swelling, redness or warmth to the ankle
What Are Treatment Options?
For early-stage ankle arthritis, patients can first try a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and bracing. We can also give you cortisone injections within the ankle joint to help with symptom control. However, if pain persists, there are surgical options you can discuss with your surgeon.
Sprains and Strains
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, a sprain and a strain are two different types of injuries. The most common type of sprain in the ankle usually happens on the outside of it. The injury happens to the ligaments that connect one bone to the other and provide stability to the ankle by limiting side-to-side movement. An ankle sprain can happen during a sudden fall, twist, or blow that forces the ankle out of its normal position.
A strain occurs when the muscle or tendon is stretched or torn. These can happen for the same reason, such as when a sudden force moves the foot out of its normal position. In both instances, you will experience ankle pain, swelling, stiffness, tenderness, and bruising or discoloration at the site of the injury.
Although many sprains and strains heal within several weeks, some can take longer, and others need additional support and physical therapy to regain original strength.
Fractures
A fracture is a broken bone. This can happen anywhere in the ankle or on the foot. A fracture can be a simple break where only one part of the bone is broken or there may be several fractures that occur along one bone. The latter may require surgery and can be disabling.
Ankle fractures can occur in people of all ages but are seen more often in adults than children.
Plantar Fasciitis
This inflammation of the fascia runs from the ball of your foot to your ankle. It is caused by a variety of factors that include tight calf muscles, wearing shoes without the proper support, and long-distance running or walking.
The condition causes pain or tenderness, typically in the heel or arch of the foot. The pain is most significant when you first get out of bed in the morning or get up from sitting for a long period. You must receive the appropriate treatment, or this condition can become long-term, causing pain and discomfort for years.
Achilles Tendonitis
This is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon. The tendon connects your calf muscle to the heel bone. It can become inflamed from repetitive stress or overuse, causing pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent the issue from becoming chronic or prevent the tendon from rupturing, requiring surgery.
Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of a small fluid-filled sac called the bursae that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints. It often results from repetitive motion or prolonged pressure, such as after running, jumping, or wearing ill-fitting shoes.
Localized pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness can occur around the heel or the base of the toes, intensifying with movement or pressure. Proper treatment is necessary to resolve the situation and prevent recurrence.
Heel Spurs
These are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel, often from prolonged strain on the muscle and the ligaments in the foot. The growth causes sharp, stabbing pain when walking, running, or standing for extended periods. Heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis and are typically worse in the morning or after extended periods of rest. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the bone spur so you can return to normal activities.
Morton’s Neuroma
This painful condition typically happens between the third and fourth toes of the foot when one of the nerves leading to the toes thickens, usually in response to irritation or pressure. You will experience sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, or tingling and numbness in the toes. The pain intensifies when you wear tight shoes, high heels, or ill-fitting footwear. Treatment focuses on relieving pain and discomfort. In persistent or severe cases, surgical removal may be necessary.
Turf Toe
This occurs more frequently in athletes. It is a sprain of the main joint in the big toe that happens when the toe is forcibly bent upward, such as when pushing off into a sprint or playing on artificial turf that is less flexible than natural grass.
The pain can be severe and occurs most frequently during sports that require a sudden change of direction or explosive movements. In severe cases, the toe may need to be immobilized with a boot, and surgical interventions may be needed to repair torn ligaments.
Why You Should See a Foot and Ankle Specialist For Your Injuries
A foot and ankle specialist can accurately diagnose and treat these common conditions and injuries. A specialist has the expertise to address complex issues and offer early and precise diagnoses to help prevent further complications and promote recovery.
We encourage you to call our office and schedule a consultation to learn more about your foot and ankle injury and understand the best treatment to resolve the situation and reduce the potential it can develop into a chronic condition.