Each year, about 1 million Americans visit the emergency room as a result of ankle injuries. At South Alamo Foot & Ankle, Kris Ford, DPM, Jonathan Lorenzana, DPM, and the team provide diagnosis and treatment of various ankle injuries, including sprains, strains, and fractures. To make an appointment at the practice in San Antonio, Texas, call the office, or click the online booking feature today.
Ankle Injuries Q&A
What are ankle injuries?
An ankle injury occurs when you damage the hard or soft tissues that comprise your ankle joint. Often, these injuries are the result of playing sports or exercising, but they can also develop due to strenuous work conditions, a slip and fall, or a car accident.
Most ankle injuries are minor and respond to conservative treatments, like ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain medicine. If your symptoms persist, get worse, or interfere with your daily routine, however, make an appointment at South Alamo Foot & Ankle.
What are some common ankle injuries?
The team at South Alamo Foot & Ankle treats various ankle injuries, including:
Ankle strains
A strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon. Common causes of ankle strains include walking on an uneven surface or twisting your ankle in an awkward position.
Ankle sprains
A sprain is an injury to one or more of the ligaments that surround your ankle joint. Ligaments are thick bands of tissue that hold your bones together.
Ankle fractures
A fracture is an injury to one or more bones or joints. You might experience an ankle fracture if you drop something heavy on your upper foot or are involved in a car accident.
How are ankle injuries diagnosed?
At South Alamo Foot & Ankle, the team diagnoses ankle injuries by reviewing your medical history and asking about your symptoms. Afterward, they examine your ankle, looking for areas of swelling, sensitivity, or bruising. Your provider also tests the strength of your ankle and its range of motion.
If your provider suspects you have a broken bone or a dislocated joint, they might also order X-rays or a computed tomography (CT) scan.
How are ankle injuries treated?
Treatment for an ankle injury depends on various factors, including your age, medical history, and the type of injury you experienced. The team at South Alamo Foot & Ankle usually recommends conservative treatments, including:
Rest
Ice
Elevation
Custom orthotics
Physical therapy
Splints or casts
Activity modification
If your injury doesn’t improve or instead gets worse, the team might recommend surgical intervention. Thanks to modern tools and treatment techniques, these procedures are safe and minimally invasive.
To learn more about the treatment options for ankle injuries, make an appointment at South Alamo Foot & Ankle by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling button today.
