The Domino Effect: A Look at Why a Simple Foot or Ankle Injury Can Systematically Affect the Body
Have you ever twisted your ankle? Has the resulting pain been so minimal that you decided to forgo visiting the doctor in favor of letting your ankle heal on its own? If so, it’s likely that your ankle and foot have not fully healed—the initial injury may affect you years later because of a condition that orthopaedic doctors refer to as the domino effect.
Anatomy of the Foot
Made up of 26 bones and 33 joints, the foot is an intricate part of the body. In addition to the potential for bone breakage, the foot’s 107 ligaments and 19 muscles can be susceptible to tearing and straining. Considering this information, it is easy to see why foot injuries are so common. It is also easy to see why an injury that may seem minor in severity can ultimately cause a domino effect of health problems.
Whole-Body Interconnectedness
It is truly astonishing to think about how the systems in the human body work together to support its physical and mental capacities. While the body is certainly a marvel of nature and is capable of a degree of self-healing, there is no denying that most systems cannot work well unless all connected parts are strong and healthy. This is why an injury to a bone, joint, or tendon in the foot or ankle can lead to knee pain, back pain, and even a weakened immune system.
Weight Distribution
If a foot is injured and not properly treated, the injured person is likely to adjust his or her walk for optimal comfort. This often results in a change in the way a person carries his or her weight, which can create a spine imbalance and a host of other problems.
Failing to seek proper treatment for a minor foot or ankle injury can lead to several debilitating injuries and overwhelming medical bills in the long term. To set up an appointment with an experienced orthopaedic surgeon in Joliet and seek the treatment you need in order to heal properly and fully, call MK Orthopaedics at (815) 741-6900!
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