JOI Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute

Common Foot and Ankle Injuries: Symptoms and Treatments

Foot and ankle injuries are some of the most common lower extremity injuries people experience, whether due to sports, accidents, or everyday wear and tear. The structure of the foot and ankle is unique and involves many bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, making them vulnerable to injuries. Understanding the symptoms and treatment options for these injuries is crucial for timely recovery and effective management.

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1. Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, typically due to sudden twisting or rolling of the foot and ankle. This is one of the most common injuries, especially in athletes. If you participate in high-impact or agility sports like basketball, soccer, and running you may be more susceptible to this injury. 

Symptoms: 

  • Pain or Tenderness around the ankle, especially on the outer side may mean you have a sprain. 
  • Swelling and bruising can develop immediately after rolling your ankle or even develop a few hours after. 
  • It is common to experience a limited range of motion due to pain or stiffness. 

Treatments:

  • R.I.C.E Method: The R.I.C.E method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) helps reduce swelling and pain you may experience when your sprain occurs. 
  • Rest: The ankle should be kept elevated and rested or in serious cases may require a brace or splint to prevent further damage. 
  • Physical Therapy: Once the pain and swelling subsides, exercises to strengthen the ankle and restore flexibility are crucial for a full recovery. 
  • Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, can help manage pain and inflammation. 
  • Surgery: In severe cases, where the ligaments are torn, surgery may be required to repair the damage completely.

2. Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Fractures can result from direct trauma, such as a fall or car accident, or from repetitive stress. Common fracture sites include the talus, calcaneus, metatarsals, and fibula. 

Symptoms: 

  • Severe pain is oftentimes experienced when a fracture occurs especially when trying to move the foot and ankle. 
  • Swelling and bruising may show up after the injury has occurred. 

Treatments: 

  • Immobilization: For non-displaced fractures, a cast or boot may be used to keep the bones in place during the healing process. 
  • Surgery: Displaced fractures, where the bones have shifted out of place, may require surgery to realign bones and stabilize them with plates, screws, or pins. 
  • Rehabilitation: Physical therapy may be needed, especially after immobilization or surgery. This is used to restore strength, flexibility, and function of the foot and ankle.
  • Medication: Prescription pain medications may be needed during the early stages of recovery.
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3. Achilles Tendonitis and Tendon Rupture

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and plays a vital role in walking, running, and jumping. Achilles tendonitis occurs when the tendon becomes irritated and inflamed, usually due to overuse or sudden increase in physical activity. A rupture of the Achilles tendon is a more severe injury and occurs during intense activities. 

Symptoms of Tendonitis:

  • Pain along the back of the ankle is common, especially during physical activity. 
  • Stiffness or swelling in the foot and ankle. 
  • Tenderness when pressing on the Achilles tendon. 

Symptoms of a Rupture: 

  • Sudden, sharp pain in the back of the ankle.
  • Swelling and bruising around the heel and ankle. 
  • Inability to walk in tiptoe. 

Treatment: 

  • Rest: Rest and ice the area to reduce inflammation for tendonitis. 
  • Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises are important in tendonitis recovery, especially in preventing further injury. 
  • Surgery: In some cases of a rupture, surgery is often required to repair the tendons. 
  • Physical Therapy: Whether for tendonitis or after surgery, physical therapy exercises are essential in restoring strength and flexibility to the tendon.

4. Plantar Fasciitis

One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed. This injury is often related to overuse, improper footwear, or having flat feet or high arches. 

Symptoms: 

  • Sharp pain in the heel, especially when taking the first steps after waking up. This pain typically increases after long periods of standing or walking.
  • Swelling or tenderness at the bottom of the heel. 

Treatments: 

  • Rest: Elevating the foot and ankle while applying ice can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. 
  • Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can guide exercise to improve foot and ankle mechanics to strengthen the muscles of the foot. 
  • Corticosteroid Injections: In severe cases of persistent pain, a doctor may recommend an injection to reduce inflammation. 
  • Surgery: Surgery is rarely required but may be considered if your pain persists for more than a year. Doctors will recommend trying less invasive treatments before resorting to surgery.

5. Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. It develops when the bones in the front of the foot shift out of place, causing the big toe to angle toward the second toe. This condition is hereditary but can also be aggravated by wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. High heels are often causes of bunions, so women are more likely to develop them than men. 

Symptoms: 

  • A Noticeable bump at the base of the big toe.
  • Pain in the joint area of the big toe, which worsens with activity or wearing tight shoes. 
  • Swelling and redness of the joint. 
  • Limited movement of the big toe. 

Treatment: 

  • Footwear: Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and supportive arch can help reduce pressure on the bunion. 
  • Orthotic devices: Custom insoles or toe spacers can help realign the toes and reduce discomfort. 
  • Surgical Removal: In severe cases, when other treatments do not provide relief, surgery is used to remove the bunion and realign the toes.

Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute

At JOI, our healthcare providers specialize in diagnosing and treating various foot and ankle injuries. Our physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a JOI foot doctor to find the relief you deserve.