Fractures Caused by Foot and Ankle Trauma Might Go Undiagnosed Without a Podiatrist's Exam
Some foot conditions are congenital, meaning they are present from birth. Others happen over time due to your age or health. But foot and ankle trauma often happens quickly due to some type of activity that brings about a blunt force hit, fall, collision, or puncture wound. This type of trauma is usually obvious. For example, after a car accident, the injured party might need immediate emergency care for a crushed foot.
If you feel sustained pain or experience mobility issues from any kind of foot injury, see our skilled Texas podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis, and treatment.
Common Types of Foot and Ankle Trauma
Most foot and ankle trauma injuries are the result of blunt force—when something hits your foot or your foot hits something hard. The most common types of acute foot and ankle injuries that we see in our practice include:
Foot and Ankle Fractures
Whether you suffer a minor crack in a bone or a full break, foot fractures are a frequent injury that podiatrists diagnose and treat. Bone fractures in the foot or ankle typically occur due to trauma. When you experience an acute foot fracture, it usually happens suddenly, and you may hear the sound of the bone breaking and then feel excruciating pain. Our podiatrists will use imaging technology to help determine the extent of the fracture, and if the bones are misaligned, you will likely need a cast for the break to heal. Very serious breaks can take up to a year to heal completely.
Muscle Strains and Ankle Sprains
A foot strain happens when the tendons that attach muscle to the bone are stretched or torn. A foot sprain happens when the ligaments that connect the bones to the foot are torn or stretched. Often, these injuries occur after a sudden twist or turn of the foot, and the foot rolls inward or outward. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Proper rest and rehabilitation are crucial for recovery.
Torn Tendons
Foot tendon tears are often caused by sudden pressure on the tendon or falling on the foot. When the tendon tears, you may hear a snapping or a popping sound. You may feel immediate severe pain, and there’s likely to be bruising and swelling on the inside of your heel. It can take up to 8 – 12 weeks for a torn tendon to heal; however, it can take up to a year before it returns to full function and can accept a full load of stress and activity.
Contusions (Bruises)
A foot contusion is simply a bruise on the foot. Contusions occur when blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged, and blood leaks out under the skin. This causes discoloration and swelling. Foot contusions usually are a result of a foot trauma such as dropping a heavy object on your foot or being kicked while engaging in a sporting event such as football or soccer. Symptoms include localized pain and tenderness, but typically, these injuries resolve with the RICE method of self-care: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Cuts and Puncture Wounds
Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Trauma Injuries
Car accidents are the leading cause of foot and ankle trauma, followed closely by sports injuries and slip and falls. However, many foot and ankle injuries we see at Alliance Foot and Ankle Specialists are caused by simple missteps, such as stepping off of a curb the wrong way or missing a stair. You can injure your foot without playing football or being involved in a vehicle collision. Here are the most common causes of foot and ankle trauma:
- Car accidents
- Sports and recreation injuries
- Slips and falls
- Missteps
- Falling objects
- Work accidents
Diagnosing Your Acute Foot Injury
Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists for Your Foot and Ankle Health
If you have pain in your feet or ankles, it can negatively impact your life and interfere with your daily routine. You need a compassionate, skilled podiatrist to work with you to determine the cause and provide treatment based on your specific needs. With 30 years of experience, the podiatrists at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists understand the relationship between your feet and your overall health. Whether your condition requires therapy, orthotics, or surgery, we offer leading-edge medical care to address your unique situation.
We offer patients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area safe, effective, and affordable treatment plans. If you’re struggling with a foot or an ankle problem, call us today at 817-481-4000, or fill out our contact form to make an appointment.
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Fractures Caused by Foot and Ankle Trauma Might Go Undiagnosed Without a Podiatrist's Exam
Some foot conditions are congenital, meaning they are present from birth. Others happen over time due to your age or health. But foot and ankle trauma often happens quickly due to some type of activity that brings about a blunt force hit, fall, collision, or puncture wound. This type of trauma is usually obvious. For example, after a car accident, the injured party might need immediate emergency care for a crushed foot.
If you feel sustained pain or experience mobility issues from any kind of foot injury, see our skilled Texas podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis, and treatment.
Common Types of Foot and Ankle Trauma
Foot and Ankle Fractures
Whether you suffer a minor crack in a bone or a full break, foot fractures are a frequent injury that podiatrists diagnose and treat. Bone fractures in the foot or ankle typically occur due to trauma. When you experience an acute foot fracture, it usually happens suddenly, and you may hear the sound of the bone breaking and then feel excruciating pain. Our podiatrists will use imaging technology to help determine the extent of the fracture, and if the bones are misaligned, you will likely need a cast for the break to heal. Very serious breaks can take up to a year to heal completely.
Muscle Strains and Ankle Sprains
A foot strain happens when the tendons that attach muscle to the bone are stretched or torn. A foot sprain happens when the ligaments that connect the bones to the foot are torn or stretched. Often, these injuries occur after a sudden twist or turn of the foot, and the foot rolls inward or outward. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Proper rest and rehabilitation are crucial for recovery.
Torn Tendons
Foot tendon tears are often caused by sudden pressure on the tendon or falling on the foot. When the tendon tears, you may hear a snapping or a popping sound. You may feel immediate severe pain, and there’s likely to be bruising and swelling on the inside of your heel. It can take up to 8 – 12 weeks for a torn tendon to heal; however, it can take up to a year before it returns to full function and can accept a full load of stress and activity.
Contusions (Bruises)
A foot contusion is simply a bruise on the foot. Contusions occur when blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged, and blood leaks out under the skin. This causes discoloration and swelling. Foot contusions usually are a result of a foot trauma such as dropping a heavy object on your foot or being kicked while engaging in a sporting event such as football or soccer. Symptoms include localized pain and tenderness, but typically, these injuries resolve with the RICE method of self-care: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Cuts and Puncture Wounds
Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Trauma Injuries
Car accidents are the leading cause of foot and ankle trauma, followed closely by sports injuries and slip and falls. However, many foot and ankle injuries we see at Alliance Foot and Ankle Specialists are caused by simple missteps, such as stepping off of a curb the wrong way or missing a stair. You can injure your foot without playing football or being involved in a vehicle collision. Here are the most common causes of foot and ankle trauma:
- Car accidents
- Sports and recreation injuries
- Slips and falls
- Missteps
- Falling objects
- Work accidents
Diagnosing Your Acute Foot Injury
Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists for Your Foot and Ankle Health
If you have pain in your feet or ankles, it can negatively impact your life and interfere with your daily routine. You need a compassionate, skilled podiatrist to work with you to determine the cause and provide treatment based on your specific needs. With 30 years of experience, the podiatrists at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists understand the relationship between your feet and your overall health. Whether your condition requires therapy, orthotics, or surgery, we offer leading-edge medical care to address your unique situation.
We offer patients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area safe, effective, and affordable treatment plans. If you’re struggling with a foot or an ankle problem, call us today at 817-481-4000, or fill out our contact form to make an appointment.
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