Have you ever thought about what your feet endure every day? From standing, walking, running, and exercising, your feet take quite a beating. The Azalea Orthopedics experts provide this overview of some common foot injuries, how you can treat them, and when you should seek treatment.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone and are most common in the legs and feet. They typically result from landing improperly on hard surfaces when running or other activities like tennis. Stress fractures may start as a dull pain, but can become very sharp and usually localized to one area.
Many times a stress fracture will heal on its own if you rest your leg or foot. But if the pain doesn’t subside or it gets worse, you should visit an orthopedic clinic. It may be necessary to wear a medical boot so that you don’t put weight on the affected foot.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle joints can easily twist if you land awkwardly on your foot, or you misjudge a step. An ankle sprain happens when the foot rolls outward while the ankle rolls inward, injuring the ligaments. The ankle sprain will cause sharp pain, and your ankle will be stiff and swollen.
You can treat the sprain using the RICE method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You should:
- Rest the ankle until the pain subsides.
- Ice the ankle for 20 minutes every few hours until the swelling subsides.
- Wear an ACE bandage for the first few days to reduce swelling.
- Elevate your ankle above your heart for a few hours per day to prevent swelling and bruising.
If, after several days, you do not see any improvement, you should see a foot doctor to help with the foot pain.
Bunions
A Bunion is a large bump on the joint at the base of your big toe. They are typically caused by genetics, arthritis, or wearing shoes that are too tight and small for your feet. The area of the bunion is usually sore, red, and warm to the touch. Some people experience pain, while others just find them annoying.
The most important thing to do is find comfortable shoes that do not chafe the bunion. There are also shoe inserts you can wear that will distribute the pressure and reduce the foot pain. And, if the area becomes inflamed, you should also apply ice to the site. If the bunion causes you severe pain, then surgery may be needed.
Achilles Tendinitis
The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, and when it becomes inflamed, it is called Achilles tendinitis. Runners, basketball players, and tennis players are susceptible to the condition, which is usually the result of tight calves. If you have Achilles tendinitis, you will feel a mild ache near the back of your lower leg just above your heel. You may also have swelling, stiffness in your calf, and a reduced range of motion.
You should rest your foot and apply ice to reduce the swelling. A foot doctor should see you because severe cases can rupture and have to be treated with surgery.
Turf Toe
While kind of an odd name, it’s called turf toe because it is often a sports injury that occurs on artificial turf, but it can happen on other surfaces as well. Turf toe happens when your shoe holds onto the surface, but your body moves forward, hyperextending the toe. It is typically painful and is worse when you bend the toe upwards.
You should apply ice to reduce the swelling. Once the swelling stops, you should tape your toe to keep it from bending. If the swelling and pain persist, you should see a foot doctor for treatment.
Make an Appointment with Your Orthopedic Clinic Today!
The Foot and Ankle Specialists at Azalea Orthopedics treat a wide range of problems and injuries to the foot and ankle. If you have more questions about treating a foot injury or you would like to schedule an appointment, contact us. As the orthopedic treatment leader, we can diagnose your foot injury, perform any necessary treatment, and create a rehabilitation plan. Our mission is to help patients recover as quickly and safely as possible.
