The ankles are used to balance and stabilize your body. The ankle is made up of three bones, the tibia, fibula, and talus, which are supported by ligaments and muscles. Damage to the bones, muscle, or soft tissue can result in sprains, fractures, arthritis, or tendon inflammation.
Injuries resulting in ankle pain are very frequent, and ankle sprains occur every day in Hyde Park. The reasons are varied and include overuse, running, landing heavily on the foot, falls, and twisting the joint beyond its normal range of motion.
Diagnosing and Treating Ankle Disorders
Ankle disorders can result in ankle pain, walking difficulties, swelling, and more. Tendonitis can have similar symptoms and be accompanied by popping sounds and pain on the back of the heel that tends to worsen as the day goes on.
Doctors of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery use X-Ray, MRI, and CT scans to accurately diagnose ankle disorders.
Depending on the outcome of the tests, treatments can include surgical and non-surgical options. Non-surgical treatments include medications to reduce swelling, elevating the painful ankle, the application of ice, compression bandages, and cortisone injections.
Prevention of Ankle Disorders
Many ankle disorders and ankle pain can be prevented; the key is excellent physical fitness and maintaining flexibility and joint strength. Regular exercise helps to strengthen the joint and help maintain balance. Here are some tips:
- Before any strenuous activity, stretch and warm up
- Wear proper shoes with good ankle support, and
- Do not overdo it, pay attention to your bodies warning signs that you are pushing yourself too hard
If you suffer pain from a sprain, you can expect to heal within six to eight weeks. If your condition is such that it requires surgical intervention in Hyde Park, recovery can take several months, followed by extensive physical therapy.
If you suffer ankle pain, book an early appointment with Mitchell Foot & Ankle, P.C. near Hyde Park. For further details, visit https://www.hydeparkfootdoctor.com. Like us on our facebook page.