Foot & Ankle
From routine care to surgical procedures, Altru Orthopedics & Sports Medicine offers personalized care and cutting edge services tailored to your foot and ankle care needs. We work closely with Altru’s Podiatry to ensure that you are receiving the best foot and ankle care possible.
The severity of a broken foot or ankle can vary from a small crack in your bone to several fractures capable of piercing the skin. A simple break in one bone may not stop you from walking, whereas multiple breaks can force your ankle or foot out of place and may require that you not put weight on it for a few months. Another common ankle injury is a torn or damaged ligament, causing your ankle to become unstable. Because a severe ankle or foot sprain can feel just as painful as a fractured ankle or foot, it is essential to be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Arthritis in your foot or ankle may also cause joint pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion. It is important to seek care when you are experiencing pain or your mobility is limited by any of these conditions.
Symptoms and Solutions
A few common symptoms of a foot or ankle injury include:
- Immediate or severe pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty walking on the affected foot or ankle
- Joint deformity
- Feeling of instability
- Inability to stand on your toes
- Popping or snapping sound when injury occurs
Foot or ankle sprains and fractures are most common in athletes due to their increased amount of physical activity. However, tripping or stumbling on uneven ground is another common cause of foot or ankle injuries. Wearing ill-fitting shoes or overuse can also cause foot or ankle pain.
If you experience a severe foot or ankle injury, initial care should be received through Altru’s Emergency Room. Our orthopedic trauma care team will handle initial diagnosis and treatments.
If you suffer from chronic joint pain or joint disease, Altru Orthopedics & Sports Medicine offers a minimally invasive ankle arthroscopic surgery that can help alleviate your discomfort.
Other procedures available at Altru Orthopedics & Sports Medicine include:
- Foot and ankle fracture surgery
- Ankle stabilization surgery
- Primary repair of Achilles tendon injuries
Your doctor will determine if any of these procedures are right for you. If your injury or condition is less severe, rest, medication or physical therapy might be recommended rather than surgery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Depending on your injury, recovery time can range from a few hours to a few months. If surgery is necessary, you may need a longer recovery period. Your physician will work alongside you to decide the plan that is best suited to your needs.
Rehabilitation plays a vital role in your foot or ankle recovery. Altru’s Physical Therapy offers a variety of services that are designed to meet your needs. Our physical therapists assist with initial recovery exercises as well as outlining treatment goals and developing a plan to promote sound health.
If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, schedule an appointment with Altru Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at 701.732.7700 or through MyChart.