Posts for tag: fracture
Ankle sprains are so common that many people never seek medical care. One simple misstep can cause the ankle to twist at just the wrong angle leading to pain for days. Two important questions to ask after spraining an ankle include; when is it appropriate to see a podiatrist and what can be expected during the visit?
During the most common ankle sprains, the outer ligaments of the ankle are injured due to an excessive stretching force. This can happen by awkwardly planting the foot while walking, stepping, or running. In these situations, the foot rolls in and forces the ankle to move away from the body. Ankle sprains can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness. This pain intensifies with movement or touching of the ankle joint.
For mild sprains, the RICE principle should offer enough treatment. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. RICE combined with a reduction in activity and over the counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may offer full relief. If pain, swelling, and weakness last longer than a week, it is important to seek medical attention. The podiatrists at Coastal Podiatry Associates are trained to evaluate ankle injuries. They will examine the ankle to make sure that a serious injury, such as an ankle fracture has not occurred. In the office, they will evaluate the ankle’s range of motion, strength, and locate the area of maximum tenderness. They may use x-ray or MRI to ensure their diagnosis and check for bone or ligament damage. Depending on the severity of the sprain, a doctor might recommend a brace, splint, or crutches to keep pressure off the ankle joint. Physical therapy may be needed to help regain full range of motion and strength.
Stress fractures are small cracks in bone often developing for over doing activities such as distance running or basketball. They usually occur when the length, how often or the level of exertion is increased in a high-impact activity. People who do not exercise can also develop a stress fracture when osteoporosis or other disease has weakened their bones. This is called bone insufficiency and a stress fracture can result from normal day-to-day activities. Other risk factors for stress fractures include doing too much too soon, improper sports equipment, a change in activity surface, poor diet, being overweight, and errors in training or technique.
Except in cases of bone shortage, a stress fracture is an overuse injury. When muscles are overtired, they lose their ability to lessen the shock of repeated impacts. As muscles lose their ability to absorb the shock of the foot hitting the ground, they transfer the stress to bones. Over a period of time, this can create small cracks or fractures in the bone. Those suffering from stress fractures generally feel pain that starts slowly, increases with weight-bearing activity, and diminishes with rest. This pain may become more severe and occur during normal, daily activities. Swelling and bruising may occur on the top of the foot or outside of the ankle. Pain may also occur when the fracture is touched.
To treat a stress fracture rest is the key. It typically takes six to eight weeks for a stress fracture to heal. In addition to rest, normal treatment includes ice and elevation of the foot along with anti-inflammatory medicines. To reduce the stress of foot and ankle, a podiatrist may recommend wearing protective footwear or if severe enough a cast or surgery may be needed. After a stress fracture has healed it is important to resume activity at a slow pace until full muscle strength has returned.