Foot & Ankle
At Aligned Orthopedic Partners, we understand how distressing it can be to suffer from pain and discomfort in your feet and ankles. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for any foot problems or ankle injuries you may have. We are committed to helping you regain full functionality and mobility in your feet and ankles.
Foot & Ankle Conditions & Treatments:
Understanding Ankle Sprains:
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn. In the United States, there are approximately 25,000 ankle sprains each day. The ankle is made up of bones that form a joint, and the ligaments help keep these bones properly aligned. Ligaments and other soft tissues prevent abnormal movements of the foot. Sprains happen when ligaments are stretched or torn due to a sudden twisting or rolling motion of the ankle. In ankle sprains, it usually involves the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle.
Causes of a Sprained Ankle:
- Ankle sprains occur from sudden inward movements during sports, walking, or running on uneven surfaces.
- Damage to ligaments happens when the ankle twists beyond its normal range due to falls or sudden force.
- Ankle sprains can affect individuals of any age, not just athletes.
- Turning the ankle inward abruptly, often from missteps or collisions during sports, injures outer ligaments.
- Initial swelling occurs as blood rushes to the injured area, with possible discoloration lasting days to weeks.
What Are The Symptoms of An Ankle Sprain?
Ankle sprains can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and stiffness. They can also affect the ability to move, the range of motion, and the ability to bear weight. The severity of a sprain depends on the torn ligament’s condition. Mild sprains may have subtle swelling primarily on the outside of the ankle, while higher energy injuries can cause more dramatic swelling involving the entire ankle. Mild sprains may still allow walking, but with a limp. Seek immediate medical attention if you’re unable to walk.
Grading Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are graded based on the severity of ligament damage, with classifications of grade 1, 2, or 3.
- Grade 1: A mild sprain with some damage to the ligament fibers.
- Grade 2: A moderate sprain with partial tearing of the ligament.
- Grade 3: A severe sprain with complete tearing of the ligament.
How is An Ankle Sprain Diagnosed?
- Diagnosis of an ankle sprain involves a physical exam to identify the affected ligament.
- Signs like swelling, bruising, and deformity are checked during the exam.
- Tenderness over ligaments is noted, while tenderness over bones may require an X-ray to check for fractures.
- Severity is assessed by examining swelling, bruising, and range of motion.
- Treatment depends on swelling, pain, and injury location.
- In complicated cases, an MRI may be needed to evaluate ligament damage further.
Ankle Sprains: Treatment of the Pain
If you suspect a sprained ankle:
- Immediately stop activities that could worsen it.
- Elevate the ankle, apply ice, and use a compressive wrap like an ace bandage or ankle brace.
- For milder sprains, start gentle movement and gradually put weight on the ankle with a light wrap or brace.
- Severe cases may require immobilization and crutches.
- Recovery time varies from days to months.
- Swelling may persist during activities but should decrease overnight.
- If your recovery progress stalls, seek further evaluation.
- Treatment and healing duration depend on severity.
- Use the R.I.C.E. method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
- Resume activities when pain-free, comfortable, and with normal strength.
Further Conservative Treatment
If your sprain is classified as a grade 2 or 3, your doctor may recommend the following treatment options.
- Immobilization: To promote healing, your ankle may be immobilized using a splint, short leg cast, or boot.
- Medications: Your physician may prescribe medications like aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling.
- Physical Therapy: A therapist may prescribe strengthening and range of motion exercises to restore normal ankle function and prevent long-term ankle issues.
- They may also use ultrasound and electrical stimulation to alleviate pain and swelling.
- Additionally, they may provide instructions on taping the ankle for support during the healing process.
When Surgery Might Be Necessary
- Surgery is rarely necessary for ankle sprains, but in cases where the sprain is classified as grade 3 with complete tearing of the ligament and conservative treatment measures and sufficient healing time have not led to improvement, surgery may be required.
- Your orthopedic surgeon will perform an Ankle Arthroscopy surgery to assess and repair the torn ligament.
Understanding Ankle Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that involves inserting an arthroscope, a small, flexible tube with a light and video camera at the end, into a joint to diagnose and treat various conditions.
The advantages of arthroscopy over open ankle surgery include:
- Smaller incisions
- Minimal damage to soft tissues
- Reduced pain
- Faster healing time
- Lower risk of infection
- Less scarring
- Earlier resumption of movement
- Typically performed as outpatient day surgery
Using the arthroscope inserted through a small incision, your surgeon will examine the joint for any loose bone fragments or damaged ligaments.
The torn ligament will be repaired by suturing it back together or utilizing nearby ligaments or tendons to restore the damaged ligament.
Understanding Achilles Tendinitis
Your Achilles tendon is the thick, strong cord at the back of your ankle. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, playing a crucial role in walking, running, jumping, and pushing off with your feet. Overuse and repetitive stress can cause inflammation and tiny tears in this tendon, leading to a condition called Achilles tendinitis.
What Does Achilles Tendinitis Feel Like?
- Pain and stiffness along the back of your ankle, especially in the morning and after activity.
- Tenderness or a burning sensation that worsens with activity.
- Swelling along the tendon or a noticeable thickening in that area.
- Limited range of motion and difficulty flexing your foot downward.
What Causes Achilles Tendinitis?
While anyone can develop Achilles tendinitis, some common factors include:
- Sudden increase in exercise or training intensity.
- Tight calf muscles.
- Flat feet or other foot structure issues.
- Training on hard surfaces.
- Worn-out or ill-fitting footwear.
How is Achilles Tendonitis Treated?
Early treatment is essential! If left untreated, Achilles tendinitis can worsen and even lead to a tendon rupture. Treatment typically starts with:
- RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
- Medication: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.
- Physical Therapy: Specific exercises to strengthen your calf muscles and improve flexibility.
If these methods don’t bring relief, further options may include:
- Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts to support your foot’s structure.
- Injections: Cortisone for temporary pain relief, or newer treatments like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) that promote long-term healing.
- Surgery: In rare, severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair the tendon.
Important:
Don’t ignore the pain! Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing complications. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for your specific situation.
PRP Achilles Tendonitis:
Understanding the Pain Achilles tendonitis is a common overuse injury that causes pain, inflammation, and sometimes swelling in the Achilles tendon. This large tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, and it’s essential for walking, running, and jumping. While rest and physical therapy are often the first line of treatment, what if they aren’t enough? PRP might provide relief and accelerate your healing.
What is PRP?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a concentrated solution derived from your own blood. It’s packed with platelets, which contain growth factors that play a central role in tissue healing and repair.
How Can PRP Help Achilles Tendonitis?
When injected directly into the injured Achilles tendon, PRP can:
- Reduce inflammation: This leads to less pain and swelling.
- Stimulate new tissue growth: PRP can help rebuild the damaged tendon.
- Speed up healing: This can help you return to your normal activities faster.
Is PRP a Good Option for You?
PRP might be worth considering if:
- Traditional treatments haven’t worked: You’ve diligently tried rest, ice, medications, and physical therapy without lasting improvement.
- You want a minimally invasive solution: PRP offers a potential alternative to surgery.
- You’re committed to the healing process: Physical therapy is still essential for optimal results with PRP.
The PRP Treatment Process
- Blood Draw: Your doctor takes a small amount of blood.
- Centrifuge Processing: The blood is spun to concentrate the platelets.
- Injection: Using ultrasound guidance, PRP is injected precisely into the damaged tendon area.
- Recovery: You may experience some soreness, but it’s important to follow your rehabilitation program as directed.
Important to Note:
PRP utilizes your body’s healing power: This means it’s a safe treatment with minimal risk of side effects. Research is promising: Studies indicate that PRP can be effective for chronic Achilles tendonitis. Results may vary: Every individual’s healing process is different.
Ask Your Doctor About PRP
If Achilles tendonitis is limiting your activity level, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about PRP therapy. They can evaluate your case and guide you on whether it’s a suitable option.
When Surgery Might be Necessary
If you have a damaged achilles tendon, achilles tendon repair can help reconnect the severed ends and restore normal foot function. At Aligned Ortho, our skilled orthopedic surgeons specialize in using advanced techniques and proven procedures to perform achilles tendon repair.
Understanding Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery
- The Achilles tendon is a long cord that connects the calf muscles to the heel. It is important for activities like running, jumping, cycling, and walking. However, it can get injured from trauma, intense physical activity, sudden movements, or overuse. Aging can also cause tendon degeneration.
- Before surgery, the doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and diagnosis. This includes assessing the strength and range of motion in your leg. Imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be ordered to get a detailed view of the damaged Achilles tendon.
- Surgery for the Achilles tendon can be done with small incisions and specialized instruments equipped with cameras and lights. In severe cases, larger incisions and open surgery may be necessary.
Why Might You Need Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery?
If you hurt your tendon while playing sports, you might need surgery to fix your achilles tendon. Before suggesting surgery, your doctor might recommend other treatments like using ice, taking pain medicine, wearing a brace, and doing physical therapy.
Understanding the Pain (PRP)
Achilles tendonitis is a common overuse injury that causes pain, inflammation, and sometimes swelling in the Achilles tendon. This large tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, and it’s essential for walking, running, and jumping. While rest and physical therapy are often the first line of treatment, what if they aren’t enough? PRP might provide relief and accelerate your healing.
What is PRP?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a concentrated solution derived from your own blood. It’s packed with platelets, which contain growth factors that play a central role in tissue healing and repair.
How Can PRP Help Achilles Tendonitis?
- When injected directly into the injured Achilles tendon, PRP can:
- Reduce inflammation: This leads to less pain and swelling.
- Stimulate new tissue growth: PRP can help rebuild the damaged tendon.
- Speed up healing: This can help you return to your normal activities faster.
Is PRP a Good Option for You?
PRP might be worth considering if:
- Traditional treatments haven’t worked: You’ve diligently tried rest, ice, medications, and physical therapy without lasting improvement.
- You want a minimally invasive solution: PRP offers a potential alternative to surgery.
- You’re committed to the healing process: Physical therapy is still essential for optimal results with PRP.
The PRP Treatment Process
- Blood Draw: Your doctor takes a small amount of blood.
- Centrifuge Processing: The blood is spun to concentrate the platelets.
- Injection: Using ultrasound guidance, PRP is injected precisely into the damaged tendon area.
- Recovery: You may experience some soreness, but it’s important to follow your rehabilitation program as directed.
Important to Note:
- PRP utilizes your body’s healing power: This means it’s a safe treatment with minimal risk of side effects.
- Research is promising: Studies indicate that PRP can be effective for chronic Achilles tendonitis.
- Results may vary: Every individual’s healing process is different.
Ask Your Doctor About PRP
If Achilles tendonitis is limiting your activity level, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about PRP therapy. They can evaluate your case and guide you on whether it’s a suitable option.
PRP for Plantar Fasciitis: A Natural Approach to Pain Relief
Plantar fasciitis is a common and frustrating condition causing pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, especially with your first steps in the morning. Traditional treatments like stretching, icing, and medication often help, but what if the pain persists? PRP therapy offers a minimally invasive option that taps into your body’s own healing potential.
What is PRP and How Does it Work?
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): This concentrated solution is derived from a small sample of your own blood.
- Packed with Power: PRP contains growth factors, which are vital for tissue repair and inflammation reduction.
- Targeted Healing: When injected into the damaged plantar fascia (the band of tissue under your foot), PRP can stimulate new, healthy tissue growth, leading to reduced pain and improved function.
Is PRP Right for My Plantar Fasciitis?
You might be a good candidate for PRP therapy if:
- Traditional treatments haven’t provided enough relief after several months.
- You want a nonsurgical solution with minimal downtime.
- You’re motivated to participate in physical therapy after the procedure.
The PRP Procedure for Plantar Fasciitis
- Consultation: Your physician will evaluate your condition and discuss if PRP is suitable.
- Blood Draw: A small amount of blood is taken.
- Preparation: The blood is spun in a centrifuge to isolate the PRP.
- Injection: Using ultrasound guidance for precision, your doctor injects the PRP into the painful area of your plantar fascia.
- Recovery: You may experience some temporary soreness, but you can usually resume most activities quickly.
- Physical therapy will help optimize your results.
Important Points about PRP
- Safe and Effective: Research supports PRP’s use for chronic plantar fasciitis.
- Natural Approach: PRP uses your body’s own resources for healing, minimizing the risk of side effects.
- Not an Instant Fix: It takes time for the growth factors to stimulate full healing, so patience is key.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you’re struggling with persistent plantar fasciitis pain, ask your doctor if PRP therapy could be a good option for you. They can help you make an informed decision.
A Natural Approach to Pain Relief
Plantar fasciitis is a common and frustrating condition causing pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, especially with your first steps in the morning. Traditional treatments like stretching, icing, and medication often help, but what if the pain persists? PRP therapy offers a minimally invasive option that taps into your body’s own healing potential.
What is PRP and How Does it Work?
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): This concentrated solution is derived from a small sample of your own blood.
- Packed with Power: PRP contains growth factors, which are vital for tissue repair and inflammation reduction.
- Targeted Healing: When injected into the damaged plantar fascia (the band of tissue under your foot), PRP can stimulate new, healthy tissue growth, leading to reduced pain and improved function.
Is PRP Right for My Plantar Fasciitis?
You might be a good candidate for PRP therapy if:
- Traditional treatments haven’t provided enough relief after several months.
- You want a nonsurgical solution with minimal downtime.
- You’re motivated to participate in physical therapy after the procedure.
The PRP Procedure for Plantar Fasciitis
- Consultation: Your doctor will evaluate your condition and discuss if PRP is suitable.
- Blood Draw: A small amount of blood is taken.
- Preparation: The blood is spun in a centrifuge to isolate the PRP.
- Injection: Using ultrasound guidance for precision, your doctor injects the PRP into the painful area of your plantar fascia.
- Recovery: You may experience some temporary soreness, but you can usually resume most activities quickly. Physical therapy will help optimize your results.
Important Points about PRP
- Safe and Effective: Research supports PRP’s use for chronic plantar fasciitis.
- Natural Approach: PRP uses your body’s own resources for healing, minimizing the risk of side effects.
- Not an Instant Fix: It takes time for the growth factors to stimulate full healing, so patience is key.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you’re struggling with persistent plantar fasciitis pain, ask your doctor if PRP therapy could be a good option for you. They can help you make an informed decision.
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