Common Foot and Ankle Injuries
No part of your body is safe from injury, but feet and ankles are especially vulnerable during most athletic activities. Because the feet and ankles are so integral to basic movement, they also face injury when lifting heavy furniture, biking, and just plain walking. To learn more about some common foot and ankle injuries and how orthopaedic care can help, keep reading.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are actually very different because they affect different parts of your ankle. A sprain happens to the ligaments, which are rubber-band-like tissues that hold all the bones in your ankle together. Ligaments are stretchy, but pulling them beyond their normal range of motion can result in tiny tears or a complete rupture. Strains, on the other hand, happen to the muscles or tendons in your ankle when they are pulled too far.
Stress Fractures
Generally, stress fractures of the foot and ankle bones are caused by high-impact activities, like running, especially when the athlete intensifies his or her workout. People with compromised bones, like those with osteoporosis, can get stress fractures from activities as low-intensity as walking. Stress fractures are generally small, and some people do not realize they have a fracture because the symptoms of pain and swelling improve with rest. However, if you are experiencing pain when you exercise and swelling or bruising develops, have your orthopaedic doctor evaluate your injury.
Bursitis
Your joints are cushioned by little sacs of fluid called bursae. The bursae help the joints move smoothly and without pain. Bursitis, or inflammation of the bursae in your heel, ankle, or big toe, can be considered an overuse injury. Like stress fractures, bursitis symptoms will often improve when you are at rest and resurge when you are using the joint that has already been irritated by overuse. Usually, rest, ice, and pain medication can remedy bursitis, but persistent bursitis may require surgical draining by an orthopaedic surgeon.
Care from MK Orthopaedics is an excellent solution to any of these common orthopaedic foot and ankle injuries. We keep Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Shorewood residents on their feet and moving, thanks to orthopaedic care and knee and hip replacements. We offer a walk-in clinic every Monday from 3-6PM so make sure to call us today at (815) 741-6900 for more information.
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