Ankle Injuries Specialist

What are some common ankle injuries?

Your ankles are among the most underappreciated areas of your body, that is, until an injury takes place. At that point, you may be able to focus on little other than your ankle until relief is found.

When you think about the role your ankles play in your daily life, it’s surprising that ankle injuries aren’t more common. This relatively small area supports your entire body weight, enabling movement like walking, running, or climbing stairs.

Your ankle is comprised of a network of bones, tendons, muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves. An issue with any one of those components can lead to serious pain and reduced function.

Some of the more common types of ankle injuries stem from:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Fractures
• Tendinitis
• Arthritis

In addition, traumatic injury can occur from a workplace accident, car crash, or something as simple as a heavy object falling on your foot or ankle.

When should I seek treatment for an ankle injury?

Some minor injuries can be treated at home using the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If improvement doesn’t follow a couple of days of self-care, come in for a thorough diagnostic exam and individualized treatment plan.

These symptoms should prompt a call to Podiatry Clinic of Jackson:  

• Severe pain
• Extreme swelling
• Bruising
• Inability to place weight on the joint
• Signs that your ankle or foot bones are not in proper alignment

Seeking care is important, as an untreated ankle injury can cause serious medical problems including arthritis or a weakened joint that’s susceptible to future injury.

How are ankle injuries treated?

Your treatment path depends on the extent and type of injury. For some strains and sprains, a medical brace can stabilize the joint while your body heals, and crutches can help you move around without placing too much pressure on your ankle.

An ankle fracture requires more involved care. Some breaks can be immobilized with a brace, splint, or cast until your body heals. In other instances, surgery is the only way to resolve the issue.

Surgery can work to realign broken bones using metal plates and screws, and also allows your surgeon to remove any bone splinters that are causing pain in the surrounding tissues. You’ll likely need to avoid placing weight on your ankle for six weeks or more as you heal, and physical therapy might also play a role in your recovery.

If you suffer an ankle injury that doesn’t improve with self-care, book an appointment with Podiatry Clinic of Jackson to explore treatment options. Use the online booking agent or call the office to speak with a team member.