Foot and ankle trauma is pretty common, especially among athletes and active people like hikers, runners, and skiers. Your feet and ankles are composed of dozens of bones, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues, all of which can become injured in an accident or as a result of repetitive stress. Common injuries include:
Even a minor fall can cause an injury that can make it a lot harder for you to get around and enjoy your regular activities. What’s worse, some people are more prone to foot and ankle trauma than others. For instance, people with diabetes often have nerve damage or circulation problems that make injuries more likely.
And some foot conditions like bunions, arthritis, or plantar fasciitis can make injuries more likely, since these issues can change the way you walk, increasing the likelihood of:
The symptoms of any foot or ankle injury will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Many injuries cause symptoms like:
Some injuries like fractures or sprains can be accompanied by snapping noises, and severe fractures can cause hard lumps under the skin.
Since foot and ankle trauma can have so many causes, the team at Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine starts with a careful examination and evaluation of your foot and ankle, as well as a review of your symptoms, and what you were doing when the injury occurred. In most cases, they’ll also order diagnostic imaging like X-rays or CT scans, which they’ll use to help guide your treatment. Your actual treatment will be determined by the type of injury you have, your overall health, and other factors.
Options include:
The Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine team will work closely with you every step of the way to ensure your treatment is tailored specifically for your needs, lifestyle, and goals.