Foot And Ankle Trauma Specialist

What causes foot and ankle trauma?

Playing sports, or even an activity as seemingly harmless as walking on an uneven surface, can lead to trauma in your foot or ankle. Although the trauma may come in different forms, the most common foot and ankle injuries include:

Ankle sprain

Ankle sprains typically happen when you twist your foot, which stretches or tears your ligaments. Ankle sprains may seem harmless, but without proper treatment may develop into long-term problems. 

Ankle fracture

A fracture is a partial or total break of your ankle bone. Many people confuse a fracture for an ankle sprain, but these injuries are entirely different and require early, accurate diagnosis.

Foot or toe fracture

Toe and foot fractures are quite common. They can be caused by a direct blow or repetitive stress from playing high-impact sports like basketball or from running.

What are the symptoms of foot and ankle trauma?

Depending on the nature and extent of your foot or ankle injury, you may experience one or more of these symptoms:

• Pain or soreness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Bruising
• Difficulty walking
• Stiffness in the joint

If a bone has pierced your skin, contact Dan Preece, DPM & Darren Groberg, DPM, or seek immediate medical attention. A fracture that penetrates your skin is more likely to develop a severe infection.

How are foot and ankle trauma diagnosed?

Once you arrive at Dan Preece, DPM & Darren Groberg, DPM, expect your podiatrist to take a thorough history, ask about your symptoms, and examine your foot. They may suggest X-rays or other imaging studies to assess the severity of the trauma.

How are foot and ankle trauma treated?

For a mild trauma, your podiatrist at Dan Preece, DPM & Darren Groberg, DPM, often recommends rest, icing your injury, and immobilizing the affected area. In more severe cases, they may suggest surgery to repair a damaged ligament or to set a complex fracture. 

You can expect your podiatrist to recommend the surgical procedure that's best suited for your case based on the type and severity of your foot or ankle trauma as well as your activity level. After surgery, the team offers rehabilitation to help ensure that your ankle or foot heals properly. Their goal is to get you up and moving again as quickly as possible.

For high-quality care from a team that includes board-certified podiatrists, call Dan Preece, DPM & Darren Groberg, DPM, today or book a consultation online to discuss your foot or ankle trauma.