Ankle Injuries
Around 75% of Americans experience foot pain at some point during their lives. Athletes are more likely to have foot injuries because of the extra strain that training and competing put on their feet. If you have a foot injury, the skilled orthopedic team at Sports Medicine Oregon in Tigard and Wilsonville, Oregon, can help.
Achilles Tendon Injuries Specialists
The Achilles tendons run along the back of your ankles. When inflamed, torn, or ruptured, this thick tendon can cause serious pain when you walk or perform other activities like running or jumping. The skilled orthopedic team at Sports Medicine Oregon in Tigard and Wilsonville, Oregon, offers diagnosis and treatment of Achilles tendon injuries to help you heal and get back to daily life and the activities you love as soon as possible.
Ankle Injuries Q & A
What are common ankle injuries?
Anyone can injure their ankles, whether you’re sprinting across the soccer pitch and need to suddenly change direction or slip off a curb as you walk to school or work. Some of the most common ankle injuries include:
Sprains
Sprains are the most common ankle injuries. Every day, around 25,000 Americans sprain their ankles. Sprains occur when a ligament — the connective tissue that connects the bones in a joint — overstretch and tear.
Ankle sprains range in severity from a mild overstretch to a complete tear of connective tissue. Your symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and stiffness, which intensify with the severity of your sprain.
Fractures
Ankle fractures are also common injuries. You can fracture any of the three bones in the ankle joint, including your tibia, fibula, and talus, as well as the subtalar joint consisting of the talus and calcaneus.
In addition to acute ankle fractures from forceful twists or impacts, you can also develop stress fractures in your ankle bones from repetitive use.
Achilles tendinitis
Your Achilles tendon is the thick band of tissue that connects your calf to your ankle and foot. It’s critical to your ability to flex and point your foot and walk.
Achilles tendinitis develops from repetitive strain. It’s a common injury among runners, dancers, and other athletes.
Achilles tendinitis can also increase your risk of acute injuries such as a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon.
When should I make an appointment for ankle pain?
You should make an appointment immediately if you have an acute, traumatic ankle injury. Getting rapid treatment is critical to a quick and effective recovery.
You might want to try to treat mild ankle pain at home with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory drugs. However, you should seek expert care if your ankle pain persists or gets worse.
How are ankle injuries diagnosed?
The Sports Medicine Oregon team reviews your symptoms and injury details before completing a thorough physical exam of your ankle. Then, they palpate your ankle and gently manipulate the joint, feeling for deformity or inflammation.
If necessary, your provider can order additional tests such as arthroscopy, X-rays, and MRIs to collect more information about the inside of your ankle and the extent of your injury.
How are ankle injuries treated?
Your personalized treatment plan for an ankle injury may include:
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Immobilization
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Oral anti-inflammatory medicine
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Steroid injections
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Regenerative medicine
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Integrated physical therapy
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Minimally invasive corrective surgery
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Total joint replacement
The team often combines therapies to maximize your pain relief while accelerating your recovery. They also offer return-to-play guidelines to help you avoid future injuries by returning to training too quickly.
Call Sports Medicine Oregon today or make an appointment online for expert diagnosis and treatment for ankle injuries.