Foot and ankle trauma may be acute or chronic, depending on the extent of the injury, and your symptoms. Most people believe that the rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) technique is effective for all types of injuries, but you may need specialized medical care in some cases. The Phoenician Foot & Ankle Specialists team offers impressive Scottsdale foot and ankle trauma treatments that guarantee restoration of full mobility.
Different types of acute foot and ankle trauma
Foot and ankle trauma refers to the injuries affecting your foot during exercise or sports. You may experience trauma due to poor training practices, improper use of gear, accidents, and being medically unfit for specific physical activities. However, you don’t necessarily need to be an athlete to experience foot and ankle trauma; walking or running on uneven ground causes your ankle to twist. Foot and ankle trauma may include injuries like:
- Ankle sprains and strains
A sprain refers to a tear or stretches in your ligaments. You may experience this injury when jumping or running or irregular, twisting your ankle and causing swelling, numbness in your toes, bruising, or stiffness. The Achilles tendon in your is extremely tough, but under extreme force, it can rupture, causing strains.
- Fractures
A fracture is a tear in one or more bones. Ankle fractures often occur due to tripping, dropping a heavy object on your foot, or tripping during physical activities.
Symptoms indicating foot and ankle trauma
Swelling and excruciating pain are the signature symptoms of foot and ankle trauma. In severe cases, the pain may trigger the body into shock. Depending on the severity of your injury, and its location, it may be possible to limp; however, doing so may exacerbate the damage. A fracture may cause sudden, stabbing pain that may prevent you from exerting weight on the affected foot.
Mild injuries usually respond to home remedies, including resting, placing ice on the injury, and elevating the affected foot. However, if you suspect that you have a fracture or your bone is showing outside your skin, seek immediate medical attention at the closest emergency room. The Phoenician Foot & Ankle Specialists team may conduct X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to determine the extent of your injury.
Available treatment options for foot and ankle trauma
Your provider uses your test results to formulate an effective treatment plan to restore full mobility. Most medical experts recommend the RICE treatment: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Your provider may recommend a splint or a brace to limit motion, preventing further injury. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medications to minimize inflammation and pain. You may also need to avoid twisting and pivoting movements for at least two weeks to promote healing.
The team may recommend surgical intervention if your symptoms persist or your injury is severe. You may need rehabilitation if the injury causes inflammation or tightening in your ligaments or muscles. Predicting when you will get injuries is impossible, but several preventative measures may help you minimize the risk. They include wearing well-fitting shoes more often and doing warm-up exercises before strenuous physical activities.
Call the Phoenician Foot & Ankle Specialists office or schedule an appointment online to learn more about foot and ankle trauma.
