Maximum stability and mobility in the body can be attained when the feet and ankles work properly together. Foot and ankle trauma is a common ailment among people worldwide and may commonly happen among athletes. Some of the injuries people may develop from participating in running and jumping activities can consist of Achilles tendon injuries, ankle sprains, or stress fractures. Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury can include pain in the bottom of the calf, and it may be difficult to point and flex the foot. An ankle sprain can occur when the ligaments are stretched beyond normal capacity, and the foot may become swollen and difficult to walk on. Stress fractures can be referred to as hairline fractures and can develop as a result of overuse while frequently running. If you have any pain in your feet or ankles, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.