Ankle Injury Treatment

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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

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery involves repair or reconstruction of the damaged ACL. The procedure is designed to restore stability and normal function in the knee, or limit the loss in the knee. ACL reconstructive surgery will also help to prevent degeneration or injury to other knee structures. In some cases, the surgery may be followed by a rehab program to achieve optimal results.

ACL reconstruction is a complex procedure, and should ideally be performed by a board certified orthopedic surgeon with focused expertise and experience in this area. Leading surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler are strongly positioned to perform this intricate procedure for patients in Las Vegas, NV and surrounding communities.

What does ACL Surgery Involve?

ACL reconstructive surgery involves the use of a graft to replace the torn ligament. In many cases, the surgeon will use an auto-graft from a healthy part of the patient’s own body. This could be the tendon of the kneecap or one of the hamstring tendons. If auto-graft is not possible, the surgeon may choose allograft tissue, which is taken from a deceased donor.

ACL repair procedure is mostly recommended only in the event of an avulsion fracture, in which the ligament and a piece bone have been separated from the rest of the bone. The procedure will be used to reattach the bone fragment connected to the ACL to the bone. The procedure typically involves small incisions in the knee for arthroscopic surgery, but in some cases an open surgery with a larger incision may be necessary.

Who should receive it?

The following individuals may be suitable candidates for ACL reconstruction:

The ACL is fully or partially torn and the knee has become unstable.
Knee instability persists even after a rehab program.
Knee stability is very essential due to the nature of job or sports activity.
The patient has chronic ACL deficiency.
Other parts of the knee are injured, such as the meniscus, cartilage, or other knee ligaments and tendons.

Board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler perform ACL reconstructive surgery for patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby locations.

Arthroscopic Surgery for ACL Injury

Arthroscopic surgery offers several advantages over open surgery in case of certain ACL injuries. Some of the key benefits are listed as below:

o The surgeon can view the knee structures more clearly and work more precisely.
o Smaller incisions are involved as compared to open surgery.
o Diagnostic arthroscopy and surgery can be performed at the same time.
o Risk of complications is reduced.
o Regional anesthesia, such as spinal, may be used instead of general anesthesia.
o Arthroscopic surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.

Patient Education

Recovery

Swelling and numbness in the incision areas will remain for a few days after ACL surgery. Incision area should be kept clean to prevent infection. Physical rehab following ACL surgery can take several months to a year. The patients should follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure complete healing in a smooth and painless manner.

The Best Knee Replacement Surgery

Severe osteoarthritis, particularly in people above the age of 50, and any serious knee injuries may necessitate knee replacement surgery. Patients whose quality of life is hampered due to a stiff, painful knee, and who have exhausted other treatments, may be sterling candidates for knee replacement surgery.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, nine out of 10 patients report a significant reduction in knee pain and enjoy improved mobility following total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons providing knee replacement surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding communities.

Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

Cutting edge surgical techniques and technology have led to the development of very precise and functional artificial knee implants that can mimic the movement of the natural knee, and can be custom-fitted to the patient’s body. TKR is now considered among the safest and most effective of orthopedic surgeries.

In the TKR procedure, the surgeon will remove damaged parts of the bone and replace the knee with an artificial implant that is ideally suited for the patient’s unique anatomy. The arthritic bone will be cut away carefully and the healthy bone underneath will be reshaped precisely to fit into the implant components. The procedure must be performed by an experienced and board certified orthopedic surgeon for best results. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas for this surgery.

More about Knee Conditions

Four-Step Procedure

TKR involves a four-step procedure in most cases. The first step involves preparation of the bone. The damaged cartilage surfaces at the ends of the thighbone and shinbone are removed, and a small part of the underlying bone is also removed. In the second step, the metal-based femoral and tibial implants are placed in the desired position, and the surgeon will either press-fit them or cement them to the bone.

In the third step, the surgeon will insert a plastic button underneath the kneecap. Resurfacing the undersurface of the kneecap may be needed in this process in order to affix it properly to the button. In the fourth and final step, the orthopedic surgeon will implant a plastic spacer between the femoral and tibial metal components.

This medical grade spacer will help to create a smooth surface that glides easily and carries out the motion of the natural knee. The implants must be aligned precisely and fitted carefully to the bone in this procedure in order to achieve successful results. The procedure is usually performed with the patient under general anesthesia.

More about Dr. Thomas, M.D.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Knee replacement surgery can now be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Specialized instruments are used to make a significantly smaller incision, which is only about three to five inches in length.

Tissue damage is minimized with this approach because the surgeon can work between the muscle fibers instead of an incision through the tendon. This technique can reduce the pain, shorten the recovery period, and help to improve motion due to less scar tissue formation.

More about Dr. Bigler, M.D.

Sports injuries may affect not just professional athletes, but also ‘weekend warriors’ who engage in sports and other physical activities as a pastime. Some people say three on three basketball is the most fun thing they do all week and it is extremely beneficial for the body – unless you damage, extend, twist, or break something! But this is why there are outstanding doctors to get people back on their feet and ready for the next intense activity.

There is an old saying that still holds true: if you do not use it, you will lose it.

Minor sports injuries may be treated with over the counter sports medications, but more serious injuries may need the attention of an orthopedic surgeon.Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute is a pre-eminent practice, headed by board certified surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler. The practice provides cutting edge sports medicine treatments to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding communities.

Common Sports Injuries

Some of the most common sports injuries include ankle sprain, hamstring pull, groin pull, ACL tear in the knee, shin splints, tennis elbow, and injury from repetitive movement of the kneecap against thigh bone. Sprains and strains are the most common sports injuries.

Sprains include injuries to ligaments, which are the tough bands connecting bones in a joint. If the ligament is suddenly stretched beyond limit, it can get torn or deformed. Strains include injuries to the tendons or muscle fibers, which anchor muscles to bones. Overuse or overstretching of the muscle causes strains or pulls.

Treatments

Severe sports injuries should only be treated by qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeon for best results. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute receives patients from Las Vegas, Nevada for sports injury treatment and other procedures. Common sports injuries can take several weeks or months to heal, even with professional treatment. Surgery may be required if the sprain or strain is severe, involving the tearing away of an entire ligament, muscle, or tendon.

Ankle Sprain

Athletes will usually experience a sprained ankle at some point, which involves stretching or tearing of the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The orthopedic surgeon or a physical therapist can guide the patient regarding the appropriate exercises for this condition. Ankle sprains are common in basketball, track, and in a number of other activities.

Groin Pull

Strain to the groin or the inner thigh muscles may caused due to pushing off in a side-to-side motion. Groin pulls with significant swelling should be treated by a physician as early as possible. A groin pull can happen in basketball, soccer, football, tennis, or just playing around with your kids.

Hamstring Pull

Injuries of the hamstring are slow to heal because the injured tissue receives constant stress from walking. It can take about six to 12 months for your heel to completely heal. This injury is common in colder weather where it is harder to get warm and if someone fails to stretch out that well before they push their body and begin to run or move quickly.

Shin Splints

Pain down the front of the lower legs is referred to as shin splints. It can be normally treated with medicine, but if there is a small fracture in the shin bone, an orthopedic surgeon should be consulted. You can experience shin splints with hard running on hard surfaces.

ACL Tear

If there is a suspected ACL injury, it is important to consult with an orthopedic surgeon early. A completely torn ACL will generally require surgery for a patient who is keen to remain physically active. ACL tears are among the most severe forms of common sports injuries.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow occurs from the repetitive use of the elbow and is most common in the age group of 30 to 60. It typically involves the outside of the elbow. Adequate rest and staying away from sports activities such as tennis or golf is important until the condition has fully recovered. You do not have to be a tennis player to acquire tennis elbow much too popular conception.

Orthopedic surgery procedures are designed to treat conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Musculoskeletal trauma, degenerative diseases, tumors, infections, congenital disorders and sports injuries can be addressed with orthopedic surgery.

An orthopedic surgeon typically specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorders of the joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by board certified surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding communities.

Key Treatments

Some of the major treatments in orthopedic surgery include the following:

Joint replacement (reconstruction, revision and replacement)
Fracture care and trauma
Microvascular procedures, such as nerve repair and muscle grafts
Sports injuries
Limb deformity
Foot and ankle injuries
Hand surgery
Shoulder surgery
Spine disorders
Tumor surgery for bone cancers
Pediatric orthopedic conditions

Most Common Orthopedic Surgeries

An experienced orthopedic surgeon can treat a variety of conditions by using both surgical and non-surgical approaches. The experts at Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute provide the appropriate treatments to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas. The most common orthopedic procedures usually include the following:

Total Knee Joint Replacement

Patients suffering for acute arthritis and seeking pain relief and improved range of motion may be fit candidates for total joint replacement surgery. The surgeon will assess the damaged areas of the joint, which may lie within various joints in the body, and replace them with plastic and metal surfaces. These replacements are naturally shaped to restore normal knee movement and function.

Total Shoulder Replacement

Patients with severe shoulder damage can receive relief through this procedure. Shoulder replacement will diminish the pain and discomfort in the shoulder joint. The procedure involves replacing the damaged parts of the cartilage and bone in the shoulder with a plastic or metal implant. The range of motion in the shoulder joint will improve with this surgery.

ACL Reconstructive Surgery

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the major stabilizing ligaments in the knee. In case of a damage or rupture of this ligament, an orthopedic surgeon can reconstruct it with ACL reconstructive surgery. The procedure involves removal of the torn ligament and replacing it with own tissue or donor tissue to build new ACL.

The new ligament will be attached to the bone with staples or screws. As the healing of the knee takes place, the bone tunnels carved by the surgeon will start filling with new tissue, securing the new ligament.

Arthroscopy

In orthopedic surgery, arthroscopic techniques have proved to be particularly successful in making the procedure more precise and less invasive. As compared to a traditional ‘open’ knee or shoulder surgery, an arthroscopic surgery can help the patient recover much faster and with less risk of any complications.

Knee arthroscopy is one of the most common procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons today, and even various other orthopedic procedures are now performed arthroscopically in many cases. Recovery in such cases can be in a matter of days, instead of weeks in case of an open surgery.

ACL Knee Surgery

Injuries involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be treated or repaired with ACL reconstructive surgery. The surgery must be performed by a qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeon to achieve safe and predictable outcomes.

Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute is a premier practice providing ACL reconstructive surgery and other procedures. Led by board certified surgeons, Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler, the practice receives patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding communities.

Overview

ACL reconstructive surgery is typically performed by using a graft to replace the damaged ligament. Autografts are commonly used from the patient’s own body. If an avulsion fracture has occurred, which means the ligament and a piece of the bone has separated from the rest of the bone, then a repair procedure will be performed. The repair surgery will reattach the bone fragment connected to the ACL to the bone.

ACL reconstructive procedure is generally performed by making tiny incisions in the knee. Arthroscopic surgery is done by inserting surgical instruments through these incisions. In a few cases, an open surgery may be performed, which involves a larger incision in the knee. In either case, the procedure should be performed only by an orthopedic surgeon.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Benefits

Arthroscopic surgery for ACL is preferred because it enables the surgeon to view the knee structure easily, while keeping the incisions smaller than in the case of an open surgery. The procedure can be performed simultaneously with diagnostic arthroscopy.

Risk of complications is lower and recovery is relatively faster as compared to an open surgery. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler provide ACL reconstructive surgery using the arthroscopic technique to suitable candidates in Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas.

Procedure

The arthroscopic ACL reconstructive procedure begins with the surgeon making two or three minor incisions around the knee. An arthroscope with a tiny camera is inserted through one of the incisions, enabling the surgeon to view the inside structure of the knee on a TV monitor.

The surgeon will insert surgical drills through the other incisions. These will be used to create tiny holes in the upper and lower leg bones where these bones join at the knee joint. The graft will be anchored through these holes. The graft will be taken through another incision in the knee, which will be used as replacement tissue.

The surgeon will secure the graft with staples or screws and will close the incisions with skin tape or sutures. The knee will be bandaged, and the patient will be moved to a recovery area where the condition will be monitored for a few hours. The ACL reconstructive surgery may also involve repair of other injured areas of the knee, such as menisci, cartilage, broken bones, and/or other knee ligaments.

Recovery

The patient may feel tiredness and discomfort in the first few days after the surgery. Swelling in the treated area and numbness around the incision may occur. The condition will begin to improve in about a week. It may take about four to six months before the patient may return to vigorous activities or sports.

Knee Injury

Knee injury treatment will depend on which part of the knee has suffered damage and what is the extent of the damage. Serious knee injuries should be treated only by a qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeon to ensure safe and effective results.

Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by board certified surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler, is a leading practice providing knee injury treatments. The practice receives patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding communities.

Common Treatments

Simple sprains or strains involving the knee may be treated with RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) therapy. Over the counter anti-inflammatory medications may be used to address the pain and inflammation arising due to these minor injuries. Splinting or immobilizing the injured knee can reduce the chances of further damage, and can help stabilize the knee if it has torn ligaments.

Chronic knee injuries may require cortisone injections, which contain steroids. If the injury is more extensive and involves instability of the knee joint, torn ligaments, swelling, fracture, or decreased range of motion, it will require treatment from an orthopedic surgeon. Crutches and wheelchair use may be advised during the period of treatment. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute provides advanced solutions for knee injuries to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas.

Knee Surgery

In case of extensive damage to the menisci or ligament tears, surgery may be indicated. Dislocations or fractures of the knee may also require surgery. Emergency surgery may be needed in case of acute injuries arising from forceful impact or damage to multiple parts of the knee.

In most cases, the knee surgery will be performed arthroscopically. Small punctures will be made in the knee to insert an arthroscope attached to a camera. With this technology, the surgeon can perform the knee repairs without having to make a large incision to open the knee. Physical therapy may be advised after the surgery to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the knee.

Prognosis

Severe knee injuries can be debilitating, and dislocations of the knee joint may cause vascular injuries resulting in severe disability. In case of minor knee injuries such as strains or sprains, the healing can occur gradually, and the prognosis is usually enlightening.

Cartilage or ligament injuries that cause instability or dysfunction of the knee may need surgery. Patients can usually recover the knee motion fully. Some knee injuries can result in irreversible, chronic damage, and long-term dysfunction.

Physical Exercises

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) provides an exercise guide, which includes images and directions. However, the patient should perform these exercises in consultation with the surgeon. Lunges, deep squats, full arc knee extensions, and hurdler’s stretches should be avoided since they can cause additional stress to the knee joint.

Recovery

Recovery in case of sprains or strains may take about one to two weeks. Complete recovery following a knee arthroscopic surgery can take one to three months. The surgeon’s instructions for rest, immobilization, and appropriate physical therapy should be followed for safer and faster recovery.

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702.933.9393

9499 West Charleston, Suite 200
Las Vegas, NV 89117