Foot and Ankle Care

Foot and Ankle Fracture Treatment

Achilles Tendon Repair | Ankle Arthritis Treatment | Ankle Ligament Reconstructions | Boca Raton | Delray Beach A fracture is a break in a bone. It may be a crack in the bone (a stress fracture) or a complete break; the bones may shift out of place or break the skin. Fractures in the bones of the foot and ankle cause a variety of symptoms and require different treatments depending on the location and severity of the break as well as the patient's overall health.

Digits (toes/phalanges) and metatarsals (long bones of the forefoot) - There are many different kinds of fractures that can happen to the bones of the forefoot and toes. They are painful but often heal without the need for surgery. The metatarsals are prone to stress fractures, or cracks in the bone.

Lisfranc joint (midfoot) - Often caused by dropping something heavy on the top of the foot or by falling after catching the foot in a hole. If you think you have a sprain and it does not improve with rest and ice after one to two days, you may have a Lisfranc joint fracture and should see a doctor to prevent further injury.

Calcaneus (heel) - Usually the result of an automobile accident or fall from a great height. Symptoms include pain on the outside of the ankle or under the heel; inability to bear weight; swelling and stiffness. May be accompanied by back or knee injury due to the amount of force required to break the heel bone.

Ankle - Like severely sprained ankles, broken ankles are often caused by a fall, injury or car accident. Symptoms that one or more of the three bones that make up the ankle may be fractured are: severe pain in the ankle; swelling; bruising; tenderness; inability to bear weight; and deformity of the joint. May be accompanied by dislocation or ligament damage (sprain).

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Achilles Tendon Repair

An Achilles tendon rupture is a common injury that involves a tearing of the thick band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel and helps with nearly any kind of foot movement. The Achilles tendon can be partially or completely torn and most commonly occurs as a result of repeated stress on the tendon.

Many Achilles tendon ruptures require surgery to repair the tendon and allow the patient to resume normal activity. Nonsurgical treatment is generally reserved for partial tears or for patients who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Neglected ruptures can lead to chronic weakness and difficult walking.

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Ankle Arthritis Treatment

Ankle Ligament Reconstructions | Boca Raton | Delray Beach Ankle arthritis is not as common as other forms of arthritis; however, it is still a painful condition for those affected. Arthritis is classified as an inflammation of a joint and can develop as a result of several factors, but most commonly occurs as a result of aging.

Patients with ankle arthritis may not experience any symptoms as the cartilage holding the joint together becomes damaged. As the condition progresses, symptoms usually worsen and may include pain, stiffness, swelling, instability, bone spurs, joint deformity and difficulty walking. If the nerves surrounding the joint become irritated as well, patients may experience numbness and tingling.

Treatment for ankle arthritis varies depending on its severity. Mild cases of ankle arthritis can often be remedied with cushioned shoe inserts, limiting impact activities, wearing a brace, cortisone injections, and anti-inflammatory medications. Surgery may be necessary for cases of ankle arthritis that do not respond to conservative treatment methods.

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Ankle Ligament Reconstructions

An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ankle is twisted or turned, and results in torn ligaments within the joint. This injury often causes pain, swelling and bruising, and may lead to ankle instability as the condition is prone to recur. Ankle ligament reconstruction is commonly performed on patients with ankle instability or repeated sprains, as it is effective in tightening loosened ligaments and improving the overall stability of the joint.

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Flat Foot

One in four adults in the U.S. has flat feet or fallen arches. Some people are born with flat feet, while others acquire it as they get older. The foot may be flat all the time or it may lose its arch when the person stands ("flexible flatfoot"). Many people with flat feet don't experience any symptoms. Others, however, suffer from heel or ankle pain, tired feet, bunions, arthritis in the foot or ankle, foot or ankle deformity, knee or back pain, or other problems that need professional treatment.