If you have suffered an ankle sprain, foot fracture, broken toe or sports related foot injury, you may be nervous, anxious or concerned about the severity of your condition and how long it may take to heal. The Brooklyn podiatrists at Progressive Podiatry understand your concerns. They will examine your foot and recommend a treatment plan to help you get back to your normal activities as soon as possible.
Ankle Sprain Symptoms and Causes
Pain, swelling, difficulty in walking, standing or putting on shoes, redness and bruising are all common symptoms of an ankle sprain.
Causes of an ankle sprain include bio-mechanical problems, walking with an improper gait, wearing unsuitable shoe-gear, a trauma, fall, twist or contusion.
Treatments
If you think you have an ankle sprain, schedule an examination to make sure you haven’t fractured your foot and to learn about recommended treatments. We will probably do an x-ray or possibly an ultrasound to determine whether a ligament is torn and the severity of your injury. The first line of treatment usually includes RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation). Other treatments include casting or immobilization, use of a specialty brace or support and possibly physical therapy. In more severe cases surgical intervention may be required. Alternative treatments such as the Melt method and acupuncture may be helpful in reducing symptoms.
Foot Fracture Symptoms and Causes
As the foot contains many small bones, there are a number of common fractures that can occur such as digital fractures, fracture of the fifth metatarsal, stress fractures and Lisfrancs fractures and injuries.
Pain, swelling and bruising commonly occur and you may not be able to stand on the injured foot or put on a shoe. A foot fracture is often caused by a trauma, fall, contusion or twist. Stress fractures are caused by a failure of the bone over time or in plain terms “the bone just gives out.”
If you suspect a foot fracture, contact our Brooklyn podiatrists immediately to schedule an appointment for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Our Park Slope office offers in-house digital x-rays so there is no need to travel to another facility.
Treatments
For simple fractures, RICE is recommended as the initial treatment plan. Other treatments include splinting, strapping, use of a brace, cam walker (walking boot), cast and crutches or a walker. More complex or severe cases may require surgical intervention which many times can be done using minimally invasive procedures performed under fluoroscopy (guided by x-ray).
Contact the Brooklyn podiatrists at Progressive Podiatry
Call 718-840-0660 or schedule an appointment online with our Park Slope, Mill Basin, or Bay Ridge offices.