Foot and Ankle Trauma and How It Can Be Treated

Foot and ankle trauma is a severe problem for many people. However, if you are unaware of the symptoms, it can be difficult to know if you are experiencing Scottsdale foot and ankle trauma.

One of the primary signs of this condition is ankle and foot injuries. Injuries to your feet or ankles can occur in several ways, including stepping on debris, tripping over uneven ground, or falling. Such injuries can lead to pain in the foot or ankle itself. Besides, they can cause damage to the ligaments and tendons connecting the bones of your foot with those of your lower leg. This damage causes swelling and inflammation, which leads to more pain. As a result, even mild injuries to your feet and ankles can affect your physical capabilities.

Let us look at the causes of foot and ankle trauma and how it is treated.

What causes foot and ankle trauma?

Foot and ankle trauma can be caused by accidents or injury, but the most common cause of it is repetitive stress. The injuries that result from foot and ankle trauma range from minor to serious, but the most common types are sprains or strains, abrasions, and contusions or bruises.

Foot and ankle trauma can occur in your foot’s arch, heel, sole, or toes. The victims may also experience a condition called tarsal tunnel syndrome, which causes pain in the lower leg.

What is the treatment for foot and ankle trauma?

Podiatrists are trained in treating foot and ankle trauma, including injuries caused by wearing uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes to those resulting from tripping and falling. Ideally, foot and ankle trauma treatment can be broken down into three primary stages. These include assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan.

Assessment– The first stage involves taking a thorough history of the patient. It involves asking about the circumstances of the injury itself plus any symptoms observed or reported by family or friends. Questions will also be asked about what medications and alcohol or drug use are being taken before the incident. These can both contribute to accident risk.

Diagnosis: The podiatrist will look for foot and ankle trauma symptoms at this stage. The information will help them rule out the best treatment. But treatment options will depend on the cause, from obesity to poor circulation.

Treatment-Your foot and ankle trauma are treated with a combination of wrapping, casting, and surgery. When you are dealing with a bad sprain or a laceration that needs to be stitched back together, the treatment will consist of some bandaging, an ace wrap to hold the cast in place, and a hard cast to keep it all protected. The good thing about dealing with foot and ankle trauma is that even though it is a painful injury, it is not as serious as other types of trauma like burns or broken bones. The entire process requires less intervention from medical professionals or labs. Therefore, the patient will not spend much time in the hospital or at the doctor’s office. After the initial visit or two, you can expect your recovery period to be quick and smooth.

Foot and ankle trauma can be serious, requiring immediate medical attention. This is especially true for a foot or ankle that has been strained, twisted, or broken. Contact Phoenician Foot and Ankle Specialists immediately if you notice severe pain in the joints or bones, numbness in one or both feet, or limited mobility.