MK Orthopaedics

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.

Dr. Pizinger

in Your Doctors and Surgery

We are so thrilled to introduce our newest orthopaedic doctor to our MK Orthopaedics team, Dr. Pizinger!

Dr. Ryan Pizinger completed his undergrad at the University of Maine, where he also played football. He attended Dartmouth College for his residency, and followed up with an orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship in Aspen Colorado in 2011!

We are so thrilled to welcome Dr. Pizinger to our MK Orthopaedics team. He specializes in sports medicine and trauma and will be the perfect addition to our team! For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pizinger, visit our website or call us today at  

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Learn More About Treating Injuries!

Orthopaedic medicine focuses on treating injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system, including those affecting your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Check out these links for more information on stress fractures and rheumatoid arthritis. Give MK Orthopaedics a call at (815) 741-6900 for additional information on our orthopaedic services.

• Explore this article from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to learn more about the causes of stress fractures of the foot and ankle.
• What are the causes and symptoms of stress fractures? Find out with this article from the American Academy of Family Physicians.
• Are you at risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis? Check out this article from MayoClinic.com for more information on the risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis.
• Visit this link from WebMD.com to read about the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Why is calcium so important? Learn how calcium supports strong, healthy bones by reading this article from MedicalNewsToday.com.

Learn More About Foot & Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries or conditions like bursitis can make a big difference in your daily life. Your mobility and ability to do the activities you enjoy may change significantly. To learn more about common orthopaedic ailments and how to treat them, check out these resources:

• The Mayo Clinic gives a comprehensive overview of bursitis, including its symptoms and treatment options.
• Learn more about how to identify, treat, and prevent bursitis with this information.
• The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides an overview of common foot and ankle injuries.
• Unfortunately, injuring your foot or ankle can easily happen when playing sports, at work, or at home. Learn more about common injuries at this website.
• Injuring your ankles can be extremely painful and may cause lasting problems. Learn about the causes of ankle injuries so you can do your best to avoid them altogether.

Have you injured your foot or ankle? MK Orthopaedics Surgery & Rehabilitation can provide the medical resources you need to heal your injury. We help Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Shorewood residents live comfortable, active lives. We also host a walk-in clinic every Monday from 3-6PM. Call us today at (815) 741-6900.

How to Treat a Sprained Ankle

A sprain occurs when you stretch or tear a ligament, whereas a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon.

This video provides tips on caring for sprains and strains. One of the best ways to handle a sprained ankle is to utilize the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Get plenty of rest and stay off of your ankle as much as possible while icing the area—this will reduce swelling. You can also use a compression bandage to provide stability while walking. Elevating your ankle above your heart while sitting or lying down will also help to promote proper blood circulation. Learn when to visit your orthopaedic doctor by watching this full clip.

For high-quality orthopaedic care in your area, contact the orthopaedic surgeons with MK Orthopaedics at (815) 741-6900 today!