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An ankle sprain is very common amongst athletes and non athletes alike. It happens when the ligaments that hold the ankle joints in place are stretched beyond their normal limits. If there is a severe rolling in or out of the foot, or twisting or turning, your ligaments may actually tear resulting in audible pop at the time of injury, pain, swelling and discoloration.
There are 3 grades of sprains:
- Grade 1: mild-involves slight stretching, and some damage to the ligaments, and you can treat it with rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
- Grade 2: partial tearing of the ligament and abnormal looseness of the ankle joint. It can be treated similarly as a grade 1 sprain, with the addition of a splint that immobilized the joint.
- Grade 3: complete tear of the ligament and can be associated with permanent weakness and instability. Surgery is rarely needed, although you may need to use a short leg cast.
All ankle sprains, no matter on the severity will require a rehabilitation program that should emphasis on balance training to prevent re-injury. Custom foot orthotic devices have been shown to aid in the recovery of an ankle sprain and improve you balance during standing and walking. Your podiatrists will also design a program that may include rest, restoring range of motion and gradual return to your normal activities.
Osteochondral fractures and defects occur when a piece of bone and cartilage within a joint are damaged and in some cases, separate from the underlying bone due to trauma. It can often result when an ankle sprain has failed to heal properly. Generally, pain is the main symptom, but you may also feel instability, if this persists and if the fracture is not attached to the bone, arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bone fragments may be needed. If there are no loose bone fragments, non surgical treatment include: immobilization with a cast or walking boot until the fracture heals in place. As well as electrical bone stimulators to help fractures heal.
The peroneal tendon runs behind the bony prominence on the outside of the ankle and if the tissues that holds the tendons in place is torn, they can slip and result in inflammation. This injury is common in athletes with unstable ankle. Symptoms include pain when you turn your soles of the feet outwards and upwards, pain or tenderness behind the bone on the outside of the ankle as well as swelling and bruising. Treat by icing, resting, compressing and elevating your feet. In more severe cases, a cast must be worn and surgery might be needed. Your podiatric doctor will treat you with an individual treatment depending on your needs and unique case.
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“Dr Drury,
I thought I’d drop you a note and thank you again for hanging in there with me to get over my foot issues – primarily the plantar fasciitis. I’ve got great news to report as my husband and I did an extremely difficult hike at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon a few weeks ago and my foot was fine (other muscle groups were not quite ready for the level of difficulty). The hike was 9.4 miles with major elevation changes. Over this weekend, we did a 27 mile bike ride in Valle Caldera Preserve and again the foot held up fine. It is so wonderful to be back doing the outdoor activities I enjoy.
Truthfully, I’m also be glad to be wearing my cute shoes again a few days a week.
The APC treatment was amazing, I can’t believe the success I’ve had since having the treatment last November. As you know, I went through the cortisone shots with no success and we were starting to consider surgery. The APC treatment eliminated that need.
Thank you again to you and your staff for the part you played in my recovery. I recommend you and your staff to anyone I meet having foot issues.”
Ann Swancer