Ankle sprains vary in severity and are categorized into three grades based on ligament damage. A grade one sprain involves mild stretching with slight tenderness and minimal swelling. Grade two is moderate, with partial tearing of ligaments, noticeable swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Grade three is the most severe, with a complete tear, intense swelling, bruising, and instability. Sprains are typically caused by inversion, where the ankle rolls outward and foot turns inward, or eversion, where the ankle rolls inward and foot turns outward. Inversion injuries are more common and usually affect the outer ligaments. Eversion injuries are less frequent but may involve more complex structures. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can determine what care is needed for an ankle sprain.
Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Deborah Holte, DPM from Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.
What Are the Symptoms?
Pain at the sight of the tear
Bruising/Swelling
Ankle area is tender to touch
In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
Skin discoloration
Preventing a Sprain
Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
Stretching before exercises and sports
Knowing your limits
Treatment of a Sprain
In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Kirksville, MO. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Practicing foot yoga stretches each day can improve flexibility, circulation, and overall foot comfort. Seated ankle rotations where you gently circle the foot clockwise and counterclockwise can help loosen tight joints and increase mobility. Moving through downward facing dog with soft knee bends, where heels reach toward the floor and knees bend slightly, allows a gradual stretch through the calves, heels, and arches while supporting the whole body. Garland pose, a deep squat with feet flat and elbows pressing into the inner knees, opens the hips and stretches the soles of the feet, encouraging strength and balance. Additionally, the bound angle pose with a gentle foot massage, where the soles of the feet touch and hands massage them, combines relaxation with stimulation of pressure points, promoting circulation and releasing tension. These simple stretches can be done at home and offer lasting benefits for both active individuals and those who spend long hours on their feet. If your feet have become stiff, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide appropriate treatment options.
Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Deborah Holte, DPM from Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.
Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.
It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Kirksville, MO. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Rheumatoid arthritis that affects the ankles can result in persistent pain, swelling, and joint stiffness that interferes with daily movement. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the synovium, a membrane that lines the ankle joints, which leads to excess fluid buildup and joint instability. As the arthritis advances, people may experience difficulty walking, numbness from nerve compression, and visible changes in ankle structure. A podiatrist can assess the severity of joint damage to determine a treatment approach. In many cases, steroid injections may be recommended to relieve inflammation. Also, bracing can help stabilize the ankle and reduce pressure on the affected joints. If symptoms continue despite conservative measures, surgery may be necessary. Ankle fusion, known as arthrodesis, involves joining the bones of the ankle to reduce pain caused by joint movement. For more advanced joint deterioration, a podiatrist may recommend total ankle replacement to restore function. If you have ankle pain that may be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Deborah Holte, DPM from Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
Ankle sprains
Broken ankles
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Bursitis
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Kirksville, MO. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
