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Foot and Ankle Injuries & Conditions

Foot and Ankle Injuries & Conditions

Considering the average American takes between 5,000 and 10,000 steps a day, a foot or ankle injury can make walking a real pain. Many people don’t realize that foot and ankle injuries run across a broad spectrum can be effectively treated by an orthopedist.

From ankle sprains to bunions, orthopedic treatment can help you put your best foot forward. Learn more about foot and ankle conditions and find treatment options to put the spring back in your step.

Ankle sprains can happen to anyone at any age. When the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched too far and tear, the result is a sprained ankle. Sprains can be mild or severe, depending on how badly the ligaments have torn.

You should see your doctor if you experience any of the following:

  • A very swollen ankle
  • Pain when you walk
  • Difficulty putting any weight on your ankle

Left untreated, a more severe sprain could weaken your ankle and make it more susceptible to future injuries. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, you also can avoid more serious problems such as chronic ankle pain, arthritis and ongoing instability. By seeking treatment and following doctor’s instructions, most patients can expect a successful outcome for an ankle sprain.

A bunion is a painful price that is often paid for wearing the wrong shoes. Anyone, including adolescents, can develop the bony bump, but they are more common in women and mostly the result of tight, narrow shoes. Other causes of bunions include heredity or inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Bunions develop slowly on the inside of the foot at the big toe joint as pressure on the joint pushes the big toe toward the second toe. Eventually, the bone structure changes and results in the bunion. Bunions become worse over time and can make walking or even wearing shoes painful. The condition also can lead to bursitis, chronic pain and arthritis.

An ankle fracture or “broken” ankle occurs when one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint are broken. The condition can range from a simple break in a bone that doesn’t prevent you from walking, to multiple fractures that may leave you on crutches for a few months. The ligaments of the ankle that hold the ankle bones and joint in place also may be damaged.

People of all ages can be affected by a broken ankle. In recent decades, doctors have noticed an increase in broken ankles due to active, aging “baby boomers.” Broken ankles can be caused by a number of reasons, including twisting or rolling your ankle, tripping or falling, or as a result of impact from a car accident.

Morton’s neuroma occurs when the tissue surrounding the nerve that leads to the toes becomes thickened. While the condition is seldom visible, it can cause persistent pain in the ball of the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes.

Women are more likely than men to have Morton’s neuroma. Causes for the condition include irritation, trauma or excessive pressure to that area of the foot.

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