Traumatic foot and ankle injuries require immediate attention. Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center is here to support you in Shenandoah, Sugarland, and Humble, Texas, offices in your time of need. A traumatic injury can cause lifelong pain and disability if left untreated, so call one of the offices for a consultation or schedule an appointment online today.
Traumatic foot and ankle injuries are those that immediately cause severe pain, instability, or loss of function.
The most common types of foot and ankle trauma include fractures, ligament tears (severe sprains), and tendon tears. In addition, a large open laceration may also qualify as foot and ankle trauma.
Foot and ankle trauma can happen in many ways, including:
Stress fractures develop over time, with repetitive impact, so they're not traumatic injuries. However, stress fractures can become more significant over time, leaving you vulnerable to sudden foot and ankle trauma.
If you experience a traumatic foot or ankle injury, get off your feet immediately. Elevate your foot and ankle, and apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain. Then, schedule an appointment at Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center right away.
When you call the office, explain your symptoms and how the injury happened. The team can work you into the schedule quickly based on your injury urgency.
The Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center team evaluates your injury with a physical exam, mobility evaluation, and detailed symptom review.
In most cases, you'll need a series of X-rays or other types of imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, to see the extent of the bone and tissue damage inside your foot or ankle.
Treatment depends on the kind of injury and the severity of the tissue or bone trauma.
Some traumatic foot and ankle injuries improve after a period of immobilization in a splint, brace, or walking boot. Other injuries may require surgery followed by casting. You may need to use crutches, a cane, or a walker as you recover.
Physical therapy is vital in restoring your full range of motion, flexibility, and strength.
The team can prescribe oral medication and other pain relief to keep you comfortable as you recover from your traumatic injury.
If you have a traumatic foot and ankle injury, call the Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center office or book an appointment online today.
