Foot and ankle injury is not only common for athletes and weekend warriors but also for less active people. With this, it should not be ignored. If left unexamined or untreated, mild foot and ankle discomfort could lead to serious problems potentially disrupting your day-to-day activities.
You have to know that pain or discomfort is a clear sign that something is wrong. The first step to getting back on your feet is to identify the source of the pain. Here are a common foot and ankle injuries and what you can do about it:
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis happens when the plantar fascia (a group of tissue that links the heel bone to the toes) becomes irritated or swollen. You will feel severe pain after long periods of rest usually after waking up in the morning or when climbing stairs. The good news is that it will subside if you get more active throughout the day.
There is no cure for this but you can consider self-care treatments. The first thing that you should do is to give your feet a break or cut back on exercise. For some, changing shoes can relieve the pain. You can also consider stretching the plantar fascia and ankle. If the pain persists, it is important that you consider https://nydnrehab.com/what-we-treat/foot-and-ankle-pain/. By discussing treatment options with a specialist, your condition will improve.
Achilles tendonitis
Another injury is Achilles tendonitis. It is characterised by an overused Achilles tendon. It causes swelling that radiates from the heel to the calf muscle. The pain may be mild to moderate but when it includes sudden tear of the tendon, the pain will be severe and sudden.
To treat this, you need to rest the Achilles. It will heal on its own but if you want to be sure, you can see a physician to assess the extent of the injury. After seeing a physician, you will know the best way to proceed. The doctor may recommend crutches or cast to keep the pressure off the injury. For pain, you can consider over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
Stress fracture
Stress fractures are common in high-impact sports athletes. The stress fractures refer to small cracks that form in the bones of the ankle, feet, and legs. There are many causes of stress fractures but the most common is unsupportive shoes and a sudden increase in physical activity.
For this injury, rest is very critical. Ignoring the pain will lead to more serious harm in the future. With this, it is important that you see the doctor right away to determine the exact location of the fracture and devise a treatment plan depending on the location and gravity of the fracture.
Ankle sprain
Mechanical twisting of the lower ankle can lead to ankle sprains. Fortunately, it will heal on its own. For high ankle sprains, cast or boot is needed for additional stabilisation. Other injuries like tendon strain and ligament tears also result in an ankle sprain. As with any injury, rest is important. If the pain persists for a long time, it means that something is wrong. The doctor may require additional tests for further diagnosis or will refer you to another specialist.
