Foot & Ankle Injuries

FOOT AND ANKLE INJURIES

Many of our patients present with foot or ankle injuries. These injuries could be the result of simply tripping on the stairs, stepping on a foreign object while barefoot or from playing their favorite sports activity. 

At Valley Stream Podiatry we treat a wide variety of foot and ankle injuries.

If you have injured your foot or ankle, be sure to see a podiatrist for treatment -  
and in the meantime, remember RICE - Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

Our Foot Doctors at Valley Stream Podiatry are specially trained to treat foot and ankle injuries with the latest treatment modalities such as Laser Therapy for the best outcomes. We can often see you immediately on the same day of your injury.  So give us a call if you are seeking emergency treatment for your condition and we'll take good care of you.

ANKLE SPRAINS

Ankle sprains are an extremely common injury. They involve possible joint damage resulting in swelling, instability and pain, to more severe damage, such as torn ligaments, bruised cartilage and broken bones. Immediate treatment includes rest, ice, compression and anti-inflammatories.  

Unfortunately, as many as 80% of untreated sprained ankles result in prolonged symptoms. These can include chronic pain or ankle instability, that makes a person prone to repetitive injury later in life and arthritic changes.  At Valley Stream Podiatry, we utilize  the latest technology to determine if there is a fracture,dislocation or torn ligaments.  If you've sprained your ankle or have a history of ankle sprains, early evaluation and aggressive treatment  is the best way to avoid chronic pain, instability and arthritis of the involved joints.  Come in immediately to be evaluated and to learn more about all of your treatment options.

ACHILLES TENDINITIS

Achilles tendinitis is a medical condition that causes pain along the back of the leg near the heel. This happens when the Achilles tendon is constantly abused. This condition is common among athletes and middle age people who are actively engaged in sport activities.

The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. It allows a person to extend the foot and point the toes to the floor. This is also the thickest, longest and strongest tendon of the body.

Common Causes of Achilles Tendinitis

• The condition may occur if the Achilles tendon is subjected to:

• Repetitive activities

• Postural problems such as flatfoot

• Jumping on hard surfaces

• Shoes with improper support

• Excessive running

Tight calf muscles and bone spur are factors that may contribute to the development of Achilles tendinitis.

Signs and Symptoms

A leading symptom of Achilles tendinitis is sharp pain along the back of the tendon closest to the heel. Most of the symptoms are common and can be seen in people suffering from foot injury.

• Pain when flexing the ankle

• Tenderness in the feet

• Redness over the painful area

• Burning sensation around the joint

• Nodule formation on the tendon

• Thickening of the tendon

• Cracking sound when the ankle moves

• Trouble standing up on one toe

• Lower leg feels stiff

Treatment and Management

Generally, tendons such as the Achilles tendon do not heal rapidly or completely. A lifestyle change is sometimes needed to prevent the recurrence of Achilles tendinitis. The aim in treating Achilles tendinitis is to relieve the pain and reduce the swelling. Treatment of the symptoms includes:

• Resting the leg

• Cold compression therapy

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication

• Physical therapy

• Heel lift

• Using of a brace or cast to keep the heel and tendon still

Surgery may be needed if the symptoms do not improve. It is best to consult a podiatrist or foot specialist for him to assess the severity of the condition and select the best procedure to repair the Achilles tendon.