Foot and ankle trauma is a common cause for visiting Dr. Yurkanin of Yurkanin Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Center, and is defined as an injury to the foot or ankle caused by a sudden, forceful impact. This type of injury can also occur as a result of walking or running on ground that is uneven, landing improperly after jumping, misstepping and falling, and any activity that causes the ankle to twist, rotate, or roll beyond its normal range of motion. Foot and ankle trauma generally takes one of three forms: fractures, sprains, and strains.
This type of foot and ankle trauma occurs when one or more bones have become broken. Fractures can range from small cracks in the bone to shattering in several places.
This type of foot and ankle trauma occurs when the ligaments of the foot and/or ankle have been stretched beyond their usual range of motion. Sprains can vary from microscopic tears to ligament rupture.
This type of foot and ankle trauma occurs when the muscles and tendons become damaged as a result of being overstretched or overworked. Strains can range from microscopic tears in the muscle or tendon, causing a condition called tendonitis, to muscle or tendon rupture.
You may be suffering from foot and ankle trauma if you are experiencing pain, swelling, bruising, or a feeling of heat within the foot and/or ankle. You may also experience an inability to bear weight, walk, or properly move your foot or ankle. However, to receive an adequate diagnosis of foot and ankle trauma, and to receive the proper treatment, you will want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Yurkanin immediately.
To diagnose your foot and ankle trauma, Dr. Yurkanin will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. She will maneuver your foot and ankle into different positions to determine the location and type of injury that has occurred. Sometimes, additional diagnostic imaging may be necessary.
The most common treatment for foot and ankle trauma is RICE. RICE stands for:
With more severe cases, physical therapy and/or surgery may be needed, however this is more likely to occur for fractures where the bone has shattered. Once Dr. Yurkanin has evaluated your injury, she will make recommendations for the best course of treatment.
With ankle and foot trauma injuries, you will have to follow the RICE treatment method, which is largely dependent on your participation. It is very important that you follow the RICE guidelines as well as any guidelines provided to you by Dr. Yurkanin to heal completely and quickly. Not healing properly increases your chances for future foot and ankle trauma.
To prevent foot and ankle trauma from occurring, you will want to take caution when performing athletic activities, make sure to properly stretch, and rest when you feel strain or tiredness in your feet or ankles. You will also need to try to avoid walking or running on uneven or slippery surfaces. Finally, if you have had a foot or ankle injury, make sure you are completely recovered and have received clearance from Dr. Yurkanin before returning to your normal activities.
Approximately 1.2 million Americans visit the Podiatrist annually for sprained ankles and another 675,000 visit because of ankle fractures.
