Struggling with ankle pain can cause limited movement and mobility. We want to help you live your best life by treating your injury and discomfort suited to your needs. The team at Spencer Orthopedics will work with you in choosing the next steps for your diagnosis, assessment, and treatment.
Ankle Anatomy
The ankle joint is composed of the tibia (the bigger and stronger of the leg bones), the fibula (the smaller bone of the lower leg), and the talus (the small bone between the tibia, fibula, and heel bone.
What Causes Ankle Injuries?
Even though ankle injuries seem to be synonymous with sports injuries, they occur in a variety of ways that twist the ankle too far out of its normal position. It can happen when the individual trips, falls, or lands awkwardly from a jump run on uneven terrain, sudden impact, rolling the ankle, or twisting/rotating the ankle.
Types of Ankle Injuries
- Ankle Sprain
- Achilles Tendinitis or Tear
- Stress Fractures of the Foot
- Fractures of the Ankle
Process for Diagnosis and Treatment of Ankle Injuries
To diagnose and treat your ankle injury, the doctor will ask you a series of questions relating to your symptoms. He will also do a physical examination of the ankle to assess the pain and swelling to make a proper diagnosis. Sometimes they will order an ankle X-ray to check for fractures. He might also ask for a stress test - a special X-ray that is done while pressure is applied to the joint. These assessments will help the doctor determine whether surgical intervention is needed.
The specific treatment will depend on the type of injury the patient is suffering from. Over-the-counter medication is prescribed for most ankle injuries. Fractures can also be treated surgically or non-surgically. Should there be only one fractured bone with the rest of the ankle stable, the doctor might put on a brace or cast for recovery.
When Should I Call a Doctor?
Ankle injuries should ideally be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. The following signs serve as a cue for you to contact your doctor or visit the emergency room.
- Sudden and severe pain
- Bruising
- Unable to walk or bear weight on the injured joint
Do you want to consult an orthopedic surgeon about your ankle injury or pain relating to your the ankles and feet? Dr. Jacob Spencer is waiting to hear from you.
