WALKING IT OFF? THE DANGEROUS CONSEQUENCES OF IGNORING A FOOT INJURY

YOUR FEET AND ANKLES ARE TWO OF THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENTS OF THE HUMAN BODY, AS THEY WORK TOGETHER TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AND MOBILITY. THEY ALLOW US TO STAND, WALK, RUN, AND JUMP – ACTIVITIES THAT WE OFTEN TAKE FOR GRANTED UNTIL SOMETHING GOES WRONG.

What is a foot/ankle sprain or fracture? 

Your feet and ankles are two of the most important components of the human body, as they work together to provide support and mobility. They allow us to stand, walk, run, and jump – activities that we often take for granted until something goes wrong. Unfortunately, injuries to these areas are not uncommon. 

One such injury is a foot or ankle sprain – a soft tissue injury that occurs when an injury pulls, stretches, or tears the ligaments in these areas. This can happen during physical activity or as a result of an accident or fall. While some sprains may be relatively minor and heal on their own with time and rest, others can be more serious and require medical attention. 

Another injury is a foot or ankle fracture which can range from minor hairline cracks to severe breaks that require surgery. Fractures happen when there is excessive force applied to a bone causing the bone to break or crack. The bones in the feet and ankles are particularly susceptible to fractures due to their constant use and being under considerable pressure during physical activities.  

Symptoms 

The most common symptoms of a sprained or fractured foot or ankle are: 

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Difficulty walking

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important that you use the PRICE method. This technique involves protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation to the affected area. 

  • Protection – Protective devices like a brace, cast or immobilizing walking boot can protect the injury and allow the foot or ankle to be in an optimal position to heal
  • Rest — Stay off the injured foot or ankle until the site can be evaluated.
  • Ice — Apply ice to the affected -Area for 15 to 20 minutes for every 3 to 4 hours.
  • Compression — Wrap an elastic bandage around the site to protect and reduce and control swelling. 
  • Elevation — Raise the affected extremity at or above heart level to control swelling.

Check out this link to further understand the PRICE method: https://www.sportsmd.com/acute-sports-injury-treatment-using-p-r-c-e-principle/ 

Visit a podiatrist 

If you injured your feet or ankles, contact Align Foot & Ankle Clinic to be seen by Dr. Ho-Ellsworth. Our state-of-the-art  fluoroscopy machine (c-arm) not only obtains immediate X-ray images but can capture live images to evaluate your injury to its full extent!  

At Align Foot & Ankle Clinic, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth will carefully examine your feet and ankles and if necessary MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound can be ordered depending on the extent of your injury and Dr. Ho-Ellsworth will thoroughly discuss the best treatment plan for you. 

If you or anyone you know have sustained a foot or ankle injury, contact Align Foot & Ankle Clinic by calling us at (512) 882-4911 or schedule an appointment with Dr. Ho-Ellsworth directly on our website and check out all the state-of-the-art services we offer at our website.