Sometimes, it takes an ankle injury to realize just how much we rely on it. Without the ankles, the feet would not be able to make the up and down movements needed when you walk, run, exercise, or play any sport – and these are just the activities you do while in a standing position. Even driving becomes difficult and dangerous with an injured ankle.
An uneven ground, slipping and sliding accidents, the wrong shoes, sudden turning movements, and falls, a direct blow to the ankle joint, and weak ankles can all lead to injury. Let’s talk about the different types of ankle injuries that foot and ankle doctors regularly treat.
Ankle Sprain
The most common ankle injury affects the ligaments, which are connective tissues that bind bones to each other and give the ankle stability and strength. Approximately 30,000 ankle sprains occur daily in the United States. A sprain usually occurs when the ankle is forced out of its normal position, causing the ligaments to stretch or tear. This can happen when the ankle suddenly rotates or turns in a fall or bad landing on the foot. Ankle sprains are graded according to the condition of the ligament, wherein a grade I sprain is a stretching of the ligament and a grade III sprain is a complete tearing of it.
Fracture
An ankle fracture is an injury to one of the bones that make up the joint. The fractures can be stress fractures, only a hairline in width, which is often caused by repetitive force accumulating over time, or acute fractures, which are caused by traumatic injuries or a forceful impact.
A suspected fracture needs medical evaluation and an imaging test. If the bone is intact and stable, it needs to be immobilized with a cast to ensure proper healing of the injury. Surgery may be necessary to realign the bone if the pieces have shifted out of place and the ankle is unstable.
Ankle Instability
An ankle sprain that turns chronic or fails to heal completely can lead to ankle instability. People with this issue have a feeling of their ankle giving out. This is a serious problem since ankle instability can make one susceptible to injuries. If a patient wishes to remain active, they may need to wear an ankle sleeve for protection and to do exercises to improve the flexibility and strength of the ankle.
Treatment for Ankle Injuries
To get the best possible treatment for an ankle injury, choose a doctor that can provide specialized care. A foot and ankle doctor, or podiatrist, has extensive training and experience in treating and helping prevent ankle injuries.
Foot and Ankle Doctor in San Antonio, Boerne, Hondo, Floresville, Kenedy, Uvalde, Live Oak, TX
For specialized foot and ankle care, put your trust in our podiatrists at The Podiatry Group of South Texas. For over a decade, we have served the podiatry needs of the South Texas community. We have 14 locations across South Texas from which to serve you. We invite you to schedule a consultation with us for your ankle issue. Call our location nearest you or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you.
