Ankle injuries can be painful and can also be a burden to your everyday life. Some ankle injuries can be treated without the need of surgery, but some severe cases will require surgery to help you find relief from an ankle injury.
Common Ankle Injuries
There are some ankle injuries that are more common than others. These injuries can be minor or severe and include the following:
Ankle Sprains
One of the most common ankle injuries is an ankle sprain. These occur when an injury happens to one or more of the ligaments in the ankle. The severity of an ankle sprain can depend on many things such as if ligaments or torn, partially torn or stretched–along with the number of ligaments involved. Ankle sprains can be caused by running, walking, working out, or anytime that your ankle can be injured. Stepping on your foot the wrong way will often times cause an ankle sprain. Symptoms include swelling, pain, redness and warmth in the area of the sprain.
Ankle Fractures
A break in one or more of the bones in the ankle is called an ankle fracture. These injuries are also common and can be caused by an ankle sprain, especially if the sprain was left untreated properly. When the ankle rolls inward or outward, it can often times cause a fracture. Symptoms of an ankle fracture include pain and swelling at the site of the fracture, bruising after the injury, inability to walk, and sometimes even the appearance of the ankle will change.
Ankle Arthritis
Ankle arthritis is a degenerative condition where you are unable to flex or extend your ankle. Arthritis can be caused by infections or genetics. Symptoms include stiffness, swelling, a lumpy joint, instability and irritation. This is a chronic condition in the ankle joint, but with the right treatment, you may find relief.
Ankle Surgery
Ankle pain can be on the inside of the ankle, on the outside of the ankle, or even along the Achilles Tendon, and the level of pain depends on the injury. It is important to find the right treatment for your injury as each case is different. Always visit a podiatrist so that they can evaluate your injury and provide you with the correct treatment plan for your injury, which often times include the need of surgery. Since ankle reconstructive surgery might be the best treatment option for your ankle injury, be prepared to know what to expect.
Ankle Fractures
When ankle fractures are severe enough, the only way to find relief is through surgery. During ankle fracture surgery, a stable internal fixation is screwed into the broken bone. This helps keep the fracture area of the bone aligned to heal properly within just a few weeks. After surgery, you must avoid placing weight on the ankle for 3 to 10 weeks. A cast and boot is then usually required as well as physical therapy.
Ankle Arthritis
Arthritis in your ankle is only going to continue to worsen. A past injury can also lead to painful damage to the joint. Surgery will remove the cartilage and damaged bone to help stabilize the joint and fuse it back together. Screws and plates are used to secure the reconstruction of the ankle. Keep in mind that bone grafting may be needed. After surgery, you will need to wear a cast and use crutches for 6 to 8 weeks. Physical therapy will also be needed and you will be looking at 3 to 6 months until fully healed.
When undergoing surgery, always make sure to speak with your podiatrist ahead of time to be prepared and know what to expect. Don’t be afraid to talk openly about your concerns and ask any questions you may have. Always follow instructions from your doctor to ensure that your surgery goes smoothly with minimal issues.
The Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona
If you are suffering from an ankle injury, schedule an appointment with the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona to receive the most effective care for your ankle injury. At the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, every patient receives specialized care while being provided with only the most excellent customer service. The skilled and experienced team at the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona will provide you with the right treatment option, using only the finest medical equipment. To find relief from your ankle injury, contact us today.
