Ankle Sprains Archives - New England Podiatry

Everyone knows the terrible feeling of rolling your ankle, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what can happen to it. From sudden twists to overuse injuries, ankle problems are some of the most common we see at New England Podiatry Associates.

Today, we’ll explore 5 types of ankle afflictions, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

1. Ankle Sprains

According to a 2019 PubMed study, about 2 million people each year sprain their ankle. This is not a surprise to us, as ankle sprains are injuries we commonly see. Not only are they ubiquitous in sports, but what’s so tricky about them is that they can occur during everyday activity. The ankle is fragile, and any sudden twists or turns can leave you on the ground writhing in pain.

2. Achilles Tendonitis

Here’s a shocking stat: nearly 1 in 5 athletes will sustain an Achilles tendonitis injury in their lifetimes. That’s because the Achilles tendon is susceptible to vigorous movement and repetitive strain from activities like running, jumping, or cutting.

3. Ankle Fractures

Often mistaken for ankle sprains, ankle fractures involve a break in one or more bones in the ankle joint, typically caused by falls, forceful impacts, or twisting injuries. The symptoms are classic: severe pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to stand on the ankle. But the good news is that, depending on the severity, you may not require surgery.

4. Arthritis

According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis of the ankle is fairly rare, affecting only about 1 to 12% of people. But that doesn’t mean arthritis of the foot is as hard to find. Generally, degenerative joints in the lower extremities can cause pain across the foot complex.

5. Chronic Ankle Instability

This condition often develops after repeated ankle sprains, which leads to persistent instability or a feeling of the ankle “giving way.” It can cause pain, recurrent sprains, and falls. However, physical therapy, bracing, or surgery to repair damaged ligaments are all valid treatment options.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax are always pleased to assist. We offer convenient locations in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280 to schedule an appointment.

With over 3 million Americans getting diagnosed with an ankle sprain each year, you’ve likely had one at some point in your life. They’re one of the most common injuries, especially when it comes to ankle injuries. When you overstretch your ankle tendon, it results in a sprained ankle, leaving you with pain. Most people try to treat their sprained ankle at home, and while that works some of the time, it’s not a sure way to recover properly from your injury.

There can be a lot of complications alongside a sprain, and leaving it without the right treatment can lead to long-term problems. The best way to avoid this is by calling your podiatrist. They’ll assist you in adequately healing the issue. Most clients, however, are curious as to how they can help. What can they do to help their ankle recover faster and more efficiently? Today, we’re sharing three of our top tips for better and faster recovery!

One: Follow RICE

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are the four keys to ankle foot or ankle injury. Rest is crucial to an ankle sprain. Relax, sit down, and avoid any serious exercise and activity for now. Avoid anything that aggravates your ankle and creates further injury. Limit your walking, but if you can’t, try a cane or crutches. Next comes ice! Using a bag of frozen peas or corn works great, as the bag can easily wrap around your ankle comfortably. Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, 4 to 5 times a day. The final step is elevating your leg and ankle as much as you can during recovery. This improves circulation and helps eliminate swelling.

Two: Over-The-Counter Medications

If you’re experiencing pain alongside your sprain, don’t be afraid to take anti-inflammatory pain relievers! Just be sure to ask your doctor before you take anything.

Three: Act

If you suspect you have a sprain and your symptoms don’t improve at home in 2-3 days, call your podiatrist! Leaving your injury without proper treatment can create further damage and make eventual recovery more difficult. Don’t wait!

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various foot and ankle conditions. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.