Ankle & Foot Injuries

Many ankle and foot injuries are sprains (an overstretched or torn ligament) or strains (an overstretched or torn tendon or muscle). Other causes of foot and ankle injuries include:

• Fractures
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture (complete tear)
• Plantar fasciitis
• Dislocations

Sports training and competition, overuse, and accidents like tripping or falling are some of the most common causes of foot and ankle injuries.

If you suffer an ankle or foot injury, sit down immediately. Prop your foot up — above heart level is ideal — and apply an ice pack if you’re in pain or have severe swelling. As long as you don’t have any broken skin, you can apply a light compression bandage to help ease the pain and swelling.

Avoid walking or standing. If you have to move around, use a cane or walker to transfer your weight off your injured foot or ankle.

Some minor ankle and foot injuries, like the mildest of sprains, might get better without seeing your doctor. But if you have severe pain, swelling, bruising, or other troublesome symptoms, it’s time to call Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates.

Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates usually treat foot and ankle injuries with the gentlest (nonsurgical) approach possible. Initial treatments typically include bracing or splinting, over-the-counter pain relievers, and physical therapy.

In most cases, you simply need the right medical approach to allow your body time to repair the damaged tissue from within. But, some situations will call for surgical repairs, like severely misaligned bone fractures.

Our practice offers injury assessment and treatment planning. They’ll help you choose the approach that brings you back to full foot and ankle function.

You’ll also receive guidance on preventing injuries. Simple changes, like wearing custom orthotics (shoe inserts), can protect your foot and maintain the ideal position to prevent further injuries.

Recovery time depends on how severe your injury is, how it’s being treated, and how closely you follow your recovery plan. Milder injuries usually take only a few weeks to heal, while more severe ones can take a few months.

Our practice offers prompt diagnosis and treatment of all kinds of foot and ankle injuries. Call the office to schedule an appointment if you’re hurt.