The Foot and Ankle are integral parts of human body. The anatomy of the foot and ankle is very complex as it has 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons.
The foot and ankle help to stabilize the body and allow movement. Injury to any of these bones or delicate tissues can bring pain and irritation and make walking difficult.
Strains, injuries and fractures are the most common foot and ankle ailments, with more than 1 million individuals affected yearly in the United States. Ankle and foot injuries regularly happen during sports or exercises, yet some individuals can experience an injury from simply walking.
Causes of Ankle and Foot Trauma:
Trauma of foot and ankle can occur suddenly from a specific injury while in some cases there can be an underlying condition which causes the trauma.
The strains, stretches or tears in the muscles or ligaments are commonly the consequence of a sudden movement, bend or pull.
Bone cracks, or fractures, frequently happen during slip and falls, however they likewise can be the consequence of an immediate effect on the foot or lower leg, for example, a car crash.
Age can make an individual more vulnerable to these injuries. Inappropriate footwear and playing games without body warm ups are additional factors in many cases of lower leg and foot injuries.
Ankle and Foot Trauma Diagnosis:
In diagnosing lower leg and foot injuries, the specialist will take a clinical history with respect to the injury and mechanism of action.
Assuming the assessment includes a possible fracture or tendon tear, X-rays of the injured region will be requested. For certain instances of lower leg and foot injury, a CT or MRI can be useful in affirming a particular finding.
Medicines for Ankle and Foot Trauma:
The initial phase in treating lower leg and foot injury is the RICE strategy, which represents rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This strategy can be very viable in the treatment of mild strains and injuries, yet for some injuries, more aggressive treatment or even surgery may be required.
Fractures to the foot or lower leg generally require wearing a cast or boot while it heals. Some types of fractures, if not properly treated, can result in long term disability. If any injury is suspected, you should come see a specialist right away.