Osteochondritis

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Are you having pain and stiffness in your ankle?

Persistent pain in your foot or ankle can be very frustrating as it impairs your ability to carry out daily tasks or takes you out of activities. Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT regularly sees patients complaining of ankle pain and ready for relief.

If you are experiencing pain and stiffness in your ankle joint, it could be the result of a condition called osteochondritis. This is a common condition that most often develops after you have had a twisting-type injury to your ankle. During an injury, a piece of cartilage from the end of a bone in your ankle can “chip” off or become loose. Sometimes a chipped piece of cartilage stays in place leaving no pain or symptoms. It is when a fragment of cartilage moves and and gets caught between a joint that pain or stiffness can develop. Swelling and aching are also common symptoms we hear from patients at our podiatric office.

This sounds like what I may have, what can be done?

This is one of those conditions where the early it is diagnosed and treated the better. Rest and immobilization in a cast can give the bone injury time to heal. If the condition is more severe, surgery may be needed to remove the loose fragments of cartilage. The area where the fragment broke off from may need to be addressed as well. This can be done by drilling holes which stimulates blood vessels resulting in scar tissue that fills in the area.

To avoid surgery, please call us today if you are experiencing nagging, aching pain or stiffness in your ankle. Dr. Boucher can diagnose the severity of your injury and start appropriate treatment immediately. Call our office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Should I Go To the ER?

Foot and ankle trauma is all too common in the fall when kids go back to school and participate in fal sports. In addition, many of us ramp up our exercise regimens as temperatures become more moderate. When faced with what to do and where to go for foot and ankle injuries such as a twisted ankle, broken toe, or open laceration, here are some tips:

*Today's podiatrists have been educated and trained to diagnose and treat injuries of the foot and ankle.

*Most foot and ankle injuries can be evaluated and treated by the podiatrist in his or her office, saving a trip to the emergency room.

*Most podiatrists have X-ray equipment in their offices, so they can determine if your foot or ankle is fractured or just sprained.

*If you decide to go to an emergency room, ask to see a podiatrist.

Wait times and insurance co-payments are often less in your podiatrist's office than in an emergency room. If in doubt, call your podiatrist to determine where you should go if you injure your foot or ankle.
Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

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!