Foot & Ankle Injuries

Expert Podiatric Care for Sprains, Fractures, and More

Foot and ankle injuries are incredibly common, ranging from minor sprains to severe fractures. Given the complex structure of the foot (housing 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments) and the constant weight-bearing demands placed upon it, it’s particularly vulnerable to damage. Whether you’ve twisted your ankle playing sports or sustained an injury from a fall, prompt and specialized care is crucial for proper healing and to prevent long-term complications.

At City Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, our podiatric team, including Dr. Jason Hymowitz, specializes in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of a wide array of foot and ankle injuries. We are dedicated to helping you recover fully and safely return to your daily activities.

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Common Types of Foot & Ankle Injuries Treated by a Podiatrist

Our podiatry specialists are equipped to diagnose and treat various injuries, including:

• Ankle Sprains: Occur when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, often from a sudden twist or roll of the foot.
• Foot Sprains: Similar to ankle sprains but affecting the ligaments within the foot itself, often caused by twisting motions or direct impact.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Can affect any bone in the foot or ankle, including the toes, metatarsals, cuboid, navicular, heel bone (calcaneus), or ankle bones (tibia and fibula). These can range from hairline stress fractures to severe compound breaks.
• Achilles Tendonitis/Ruptures: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon (tendonitis) or a complete tear (rupture), common in athletes.
• Plantar Fascia Tears: Less common than plantar fasciitis, but can occur with sudden, forceful movements.
• Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in the bone, often caused by repetitive force and overuse, common in runners and athletes.
• Dislocations: When bones in a joint are forced out of alignment.

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How Foot & Ankle Injuries Occur

Injuries to the foot and ankle can happen in numerous ways, impacting anyone regardless of age or activity level:

• Traumatic Incidents: Falls, direct blows, car accidents, or landing awkwardly after a jump.
• Sports-Related Accidents: Twisting motions, impacts, sudden changes in direction, or overuse during athletic activities.
• Repetitive Stress: Overuse from activities like running, jumping, or prolonged standing can lead to stress fractures or tendinitis.
• Improper Footwear: Shoes that lack support or fit poorly can increase the risk of sprains and other injuries.

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Symptoms of a Foot & Ankle Injury

It’s important to seek professional evaluation for any significant foot or ankle pain. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain: Ranging from mild to severe, often immediately following the injury.
• Swelling: Accumulation of fluid around the injured area.
• Bruising: Discoloration of the skin due to bleeding under the surface.
• Inability to Bear Weight: Difficulty or inability to put weight on the affected foot or ankle.
• Deformity: A visible change in the shape of the foot or ankle (a sign of a severe injury or fracture).
• Tenderness to Touch: Pain when the injured area is pressed.
• Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the ankle or toes normally.

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Diagnosing Foot & Ankle Injuries: A Podiatrist’s Expertise

Accurate and timely diagnosis is vital for proper healing. Our podiatric specialists utilize a thorough approach:

• Detailed Clinical Examination: We will carefully assess the injured area, checking for swelling, tenderness, bruising, and evaluating your range of motion. We’ll also consider how the injury occurred and your medical history.
• Gait Analysis (if applicable): Observing how you walk can help identify functional limitations or compensatory movements.
• Advanced Imaging: To confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the injury, we frequently use:
  • X-rays: To visualize bones and detect fractures or dislocations.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, crucial for diagnosing sprains, tears, and stress fractures.
  • CT Scans (Computed Tomography): Offers cross-sectional images, especially useful for complex fractures in the foot and ankle bones.

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Treatment for Foot & Ankle Injuries: Restoring Function and Mobility

Our goal is to help you heal effectively, manage pain, and regain full function of your foot and ankle. Our podiatric treatment plans are customized to the specific injury and your recovery needs, often starting with conservative approaches.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment Options:

• R.I.C.E. Protocol:
  • Rest: Limiting weight-bearing and activity to allow the tissues to heal.
  • Ice: Applying ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Compression: Using bandages or wraps to minimize swelling.
  • Elevation: Keeping the injured foot/ankle raised above heart level.
• Immobilization: Using crutches, walking boots, casts, or splints to protect the injured area and promote healing.
• Pain Management: Prescribing or recommending anti-inflammatory medications to control pain and swelling.
• Physical Therapy Referrals: Essential for regaining strength, flexibility, balance, and proprioception (awareness of your body in space) after an injury.
• Custom Orthotics: To support the foot and ankle, prevent re-injury, and correct any underlying biomechanical issues once healing begins.

Surgical Intervention:

For severe fractures, complete tendon ruptures, or injuries that don’t respond to conservative care, surgical repair may be necessary. Our podiatric surgeon is highly skilled in various reconstructive procedures to stabilize bones, repair ligaments, and reconstruct damaged soft tissues, ensuring the best possible long-term outcome.