pic

Foot and Ankle Injury Q&A

What is a foot and ankle injury?

A foot or ankle injury occurs because of trauma or general wear-and-tear. 

Your feet and ankles are complex structures with dozens of bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. Though tough, these hard and soft tissues can break, tear, rupture, or become inflamed. Even though most foot and ankle injuries are mild and improve with rest, it’s crucial you’re evaluated by a professional. 

What are the symptoms of foot and ankle injuries?

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries include:

  • Pain, particularly when you stand up or walk
  • Tenderness
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Limited range of motion
  • Ankle instability

You might also hear a popping or snapping sound at the time of the injury.

When should I visit a specialist for foot and ankle injuries?

Visit the team at Align Foot & Ankle Center if you injure your foot or ankle and have swelling, pain, or bruising. Even if the injury is mild, it’s good to get a podiatrist’s opinion. An in-office exam and digital imaging can determine if you have a broken bone or ligament damage.

How are foot and ankle injuries diagnosed?

To diagnose a foot or ankle injury, the team at Align Foot & Ankle Center reviews your medical records and examines your foot, ankle, and lower leg. Your provider checks for bruising, redness, and swelling and presses on your foot and ankle, identifying sensitive areas.

If your podiatrist thinks you have a serious injury, like a fracture, they also order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an MRI. These procedures capture high-quality images of your hard and soft tissues.

How are foot and ankle injuries treated?

At Align Foot & Ankle Center, the team uses minimally invasive treatments to manage foot and ankle injuries. They might recommend:

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Compression
  • Elevation
  • Shoe inserts
  • Physical therapy
  • Multiwave locked system (MLS) laser therapy
  • Shockwave therapy
  • Sports medicine

If your foot or ankle doesn’t heal or it remains unstable, the team might recommend surgery. During surgery, your podiatrist uses special tools to repair your hard or soft tissues.

How can I prevent foot and ankle injuries?

You can significantly reduce the risk of foot and ankle injuries by taking good care of yourself. The team recommends maintaining good muscle strength and flexibility, always warming up before exercise, and wearing comfortable shoes that fit well.

Call the nearest Align Foot & Ankle Center office to receive treatment for a foot or ankle injury today, or click the online booking feature.