Ankle Sprains and Fractures

An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle, usually on the outside of the ankle. Ligaments are bands of tissue- like rubber bands- that connect one bone to another and bind the joints together. In the ankle joint, ligaments provide stability by limiting side-by-side movement. However, not all ankle injuries are sprains; they can be fractures of bone, fractures of cartilage, or even torn tendons or ligaments.

In children, ankle injuries can be growth plate injuries. Ankle injuries often result from a fall, a sudden twist, or a blow that forces the ankle out of its normal position. Anke sprains commonly occur while participating in sports, wearing inappropriate shoes, or walking or running on an uneven surface. The signs and symptoms of ankle sprains may include: pain or soreness, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, and stiffness in the joint. All ankle injuries need professional attention; neglecting them can lead to more serious problems. These problems can be avoided by prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Not treating an acute ankle sprain can lead to problems. When one sprains their ankle, the ligaments stretch. In fact, there are micro-tears of the ligament fibers. If not treated immediately, scar tissue can form between these torn fibers. This will lead to a very tight and painful ankle and makes it more difficult to treat.
In evaluating your injury, your podiatrist will obtain a thorough history of your pain and examine your foot. You will likely have X-Rays taken as well. Your podiatrist will also recommend R.I.C.E- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation for your treatment, as well as physical therapy and pain medications. Surgery is only typically required in very extreme cases.
Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order Your Free Copy of "Why Do My Feet Hurt" or "Heal My Heel" today!

Heat Things Up With Winter Sports

Skiing at a resort or gliding across an indoor ice rink make for great winter recreation. Use caution in winter sports though, so you can finish the day with hot cocoa instead of a cast and crutches.

Beginning ice skaters experience a lot of falls. When that happens, tendons can sprain or tear. Even experienced skaters can fracture an ankle.

Downhill skiiers, cross-country skiiers, and snowboarders also risk injuries to their feet and ankles, including sprains, fractures, and dislocations.

If you do get injured, let our office check it out. It may be a sprain or a fracture, and it's important to get medical treatment promptly for both conditions. An ankle sprain could lead to chronic ankle instability if left untreated. If it's a fracture, you don't want the bones to start healing if they aren't aligned properly.

If an x-ray shows you don't have a fracture, you may still have stretched a tendon or injured a joint. These may worsen without proper treatment and could cause arthritis, tissue damage, and problems with foot alignment. We can help you head off these complications.

Follow these tips to help prevent injuries:

• Make sure skates, ski boots, or snowboard boots fit properly. Lace up ice skates tightly enough to give your ankle proper support.
• If you haven't engaged in this sport since last winter, start two weeks ahead of time doing specific exercises to condition the muscles used in that sport. You can find conditioning and warm-up exercises and resources by doing an Internet search.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM

Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist in Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today!

Ouch! Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures result when the ankle is forced inward or outward past its normal range of motion. Fractures result from the same causes as sprains. This can occur when a jumping or running athlete lands on an uneven surface. It may also occur when the foot is firmly planted and the body gets twisted. Equipment and surface conditions may also play a role. Sports most commonly associated with ankle fractures include: Basketball, Football, Baseball and Soccer. An ankle fracture is accompanied by one or all of these signs and symptoms:
Pain at the site of the fracture, which in some cases can extend from the foot to the knee.
Significant swelling, which may occur along the length of the leg or may be more localized.
Blisters may occur over the fracture site. These should be promptly treated by your surgeon.
Bruising, which develops soon after the injury.
Inability to walk—however, it is possible to walk with less severe breaks, so never rely on walking as a test of whether a bone has been fractured.
Change in the appearance of the ankle so that it differs from the other ankle.
Bone protruding through the skin—a sign that immediate care is needed! Fractures that pierce the skin require urgent attention because they can lead to severe infection and prolonged recovery.
How to prevent ankle fractures
Taping, bracing, and high top shoes may help prevent some ankle fractures. Maintaining excellent ankle muscle strength and balance, and wearing the Proper footwear when participating in sports also may reduce your risk.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist in Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today!