From sprains, and strains to fracture, ankle injuries are a common syndrome across the world. While mostly those involved with sports or some or the other physical activity are prone to such injuries, you might even hurt your ankle while walking on an uneven surface. According to statistics, thousands of people report some ankle ailment every day. Though the causes can vary, there isn’t a specific age group that suffers from ankle pain. Roughly, in men, the young adults between 16 and 25 years of age and middle aged women, above 30 years of age are the frequent victims of ankle injury.
Injuries in the ankle require immediate first-aid and its deemed fit to consult an orthopedist for further diagnosis. If the pain persists even after initial treatment, Board Certified Orthopedic surgeon Steven C. Thomas and Gregory T. Bigler will recommend surgery to reconstruct the torn/damaged part/ligament.
Types of ankle injury
Depending upon the type of tissue – bone, ligament, tendon – damaged, an orthopedic surgeon suggests remedy.
1. Sprain – Ankle muscles control, move and protect the ankle joints and in turn protects the ankle ligaments from being overstretched. When your ankle muscle loses control, the ligament is stretched beyond normal range. This results in tears and damages to the ligaments and tendons causing you an ankle sprain.
2. Strain – The muscles and tendons wrapped around your ankle enables you to have a normal foot arch. In case of overuse or strain, there could be tendon tears or inflammation. Over a period of time, several untreated microscopic tears can get accumulated and it is called tendinitis.
3. Fracture – When there’s a break in one or more bones in your ankle, its a condition of ankle fracture. It’s highly advisable to get treated in time to avoid long-term foot and ankle issues in case of a fracture.
Causes and symptoms
Physically exhausting activity or sports and games requiring foot work causes a strain on the ankle in the due course of time. More often than not minor tears and strains in the tendons or ligaments go unnoticed, as a result people suffering from ankle injuries stand at risk of developing acute leg and ankle problem. Ill-fitted footwear, uncomfortable posture, walking or running on an uneven surface, and accidental rolling or twisting of ankle could also be responsible for your pain in the ankle.
A person suffering from ankle injury might experience swelling of the foot, severe pain, bruising, stiffness, inability to walk or stand, redness, and sudden numbness in the foot.
Treating ankle injuries
Firstly, the doctor will test for sprain, strain or fracture in your ankle by checking the amount of pain. To confirm any serious ailment, he might even opt for an X-Ray of the foot. In case of a minor sprain or tear, the orthopedist will suggest immobilization of the affected part with some external support to aid healing. Several times, the doctor opts for the RICE technique – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation – to treat ankle sprains or strains.
However if the pain persists, with gradual difficulty in walking and other day to day activities, patients in Las Vegas, Nevada can consult experienced orthopedic surgeons like Steven C. Thomas and Gregory T. Bigler to get diagnosed and treated.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394