Sarasota Orthopedic Associates physicians handle many types of muscle, joint, and spine conditions and injuries. While all of these should be taken seriously, damage to the foot or ankle can result in issues in other parts of the body.
Common Foot and Ankle Injuries
There are many bones in the foot and ankle, and fractures or breaks of each can have a different effect on the body. In every case, an injury as serious as a fracture will mean a sharp inability to bear any weight. This can be quite painful and may offset balance, put increased pressure on the other leg and joints, and even affect overall mood due to the lack of exercise that will likely ensue. If the break or fracture is not addressed quickly, a collapsed bone, severed ligament, or permanent deformity can develop.
Swelling is a sure sign that medical attention is needed in the foot or ankle, but this does not always mean a compromised bone. Swelling can result from everything from prescribed medication, diet, pregnancy, and blood clots. Determining, in these cases, the source of swelling requires a professional diagnosis.
Available Treatments
In the case of breaks or fractures, foot treatment can often be as straightforward as a cast or brace if treated in a timely manner. After an X-ray procedure, a physician can determine how to proceed. Otherwise, if the break is serious enough or ignored, surgery will be necessary to offset the shift in the foot and ankle structure. Other cases, such as stress fractures, may require protective footgear for two to four months.
As for swelling, diagnostics heavily determine the treatment. If the problem is a result of new pressure, such as pregnancy, then protective footwear and medication may be prescribed. If swelling stems from disease, as in heart failure or alcoholism, lifestyle changes will be recommended along with protective footwear.
If you are needing foot or ankle treatment, contact Sarasota Orthopedic Associates to make an appointment today at 941-951-2663, or go to our website homepage at www.SOA.MD and schedule an appointment online. We have three convenient locations and provide same day appointments when needed.
