5 Common Foot and Ankle Injuries and Treatments

• Dr Vibhore Singhal

5 Common Foot and Ankle Injuries and Treatments

From the moment we get out of bed each morning, our feet and ankles are always used. They support our entire body weight and allow us to run, jump, walk and run. It's easy for injuries to occur when so much stress on our feet and ankles.

This information will help you recognize if your pain is more severe than you think. Find out more about the muscles and bones of the foot and ankle. Here Sarwarpro provides the best orthopedic doctor in Delhi. If you want to take a service, you need to learn the symptoms and the recommended treatment.

Anatomy of the Foot and Ankle

Foot

Understanding the anatomy of the foot and ankle is key to understanding the possible injuries. One of the most interesting facts about the foot is that nearly one-fourth of the bones in the body are located in the feet. This means there is a lot to move and lots of potential for injury.

The bones of the feet are the talus and calcaneus. The joints are formed where two bones meet. Except for the big toe, which has two joints, each toe has three joints.

Twenty muscles allow the foot to move and provide support and stability. These include the peroneals, extensors, and flexors.

Tendons attach the muscles to bones, and ligaments hold them together. The Achilles tendon runs from the calf muscles up to the heel. The main ligaments are the plantar fascia and plantar calcaneonavicular and the calcaneocuboid and calcaneocuboid.

Ankle

According to the National Institutes of Health, ankle injuries are the most common. Ankle injuries account for between 10% and 30% of all sports injuries. Although the ankle has two joints, it is often referred to as one joint. The ankle joint consists of three bones, the talus, fibula, and tibia. The talus, calcaneus, and subtalar joints are part of the subtalar joint.

The ankle ligaments hold the bones together. They include the tibiofibular, lateral collateral, and deltoid ligaments. The Achilles tendon is the main tendon. Peroneal tendons and flexor tendons are also important. Ligaments and tendons provide stability for the ankle and allow for a wide range of motion.

Ankle and Foot Injuries

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common cause of foot and ankle pain. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition, is when the cartilage that cushions the joints' ends wears away. Osteoarthritis is a gradual process that occurs due to the constant use of the joint. However, injuries can cause cartilage damage or alter the function of the ankle joint. This leads to joint deterioration.

A foot injury such as a fracture, sprain, or dislocation can cause post-traumatic arthritis. This condition can cause premature joint deterioration. A previous injury is responsible for 70% of arthritis in the ankle and foot.

A doctor will usually prescribe medication to lower inflammation. To reduce pain and inflammation, steroid injections can also be administered. Other options include rest, ice, and physical therapy. Exercise is also recommended.

When nonoperative options are ineffective, surgery is an option.

Bursitis

The bursa, which are tiny fluid-filled sacs located in the feet and ankles that reduce friction between tendons and between bone and tendons, are called. Inflammation of the bursa can cause pain and the inability to move comfortably. An injury, a fall, or overuse of repeated stress can cause inflammation. Bursitis can also be caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout.

Bursitis treatment typically involves resting the ankle and using ice or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to reduce swelling and pain. Surgery may be required if nonsurgical treatments fail to relieve the pain.

Hammer Toes

Hammertoe refers to a defect in the second, third or fourth toe. It is a bent toe at the middle joint that resembles a hammer. This is due to an imbalance of the surrounding muscles, ligaments, or tendons that normally keep your toe straight.

Hammertoes can be fixed with simple measures. However, hammertoes can become inflexible and may need surgery.

Ligament and Tendon Injury

Tendons connect the bones to the foot and ankle muscles with the tendon. Ligaments are essential for the support of joints. They are essential in supporting the ankle and foot and providing daily function. A tendon or ligament tear could be why you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, or loss of function.

The brace may be used to stabilize the foot. The use of medication can reduce swelling, inflammation, pain, and other symptoms. Surgery may be necessary to repair a tendon or ligament that is not healing well.

Ankle Instability

Ankle instability is when the outside of your ankle "gives out," especially when you put weight on it. This can happen when you run or walk on uneven surfaces. This can cause unsafe or unstable walking and standing.

People who have had an injury that did not heal properly can also experience ankle instability. According to the National Library of Medicine, 20% of patients with acute ankle sprains develop chronic ankle instability.

Bracing the ankle is a common recommendation by doctors to prevent it from turning or further injuring itself. Physical therapy is also an effective treatment for strengthening the ankle and increasing the range of motion. Sometimes, surgery is considered for reconstructing the lateral ankle ligaments. This creates a tighter band that provides greater support.

There are solutions for foot and ankle pain. Make an appointment with Sarwarpro. We have additional information about common ankle and foot injuries.