Men's Health: Common Injuries - Sprains, Strains & Fractures
Our feet and ankles work together to provide mobility and support for the body. When injuries occur, pain and mobility problems can leave people sidelined from important athletic and everyday activities. If you've suffered a foot injury, consider the following:
Types of Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries result from tissue damage related to stress or irregular movement. Sprains occur when an injury tears, stretches or pulls the ligaments connecting bone to bone. Fractures, on the other hand, occur when the bone breaks.
Causes
Irregular movement or blunt force can cause damage to the foot or ankle joint. Football and basketball players are especially prone to ankle injuries, while runners tend to develop foot problems. Dancers and gymnasts are also prone to foot injuries, since their feet consistently impact the ground.
Symptoms and Care
Pain is the most common symptom of a foot injury, along with bruising, and difficulty walking. Minor injuries usually respond well to the RICE treatment strategy, involving rest, ice, compression and elevation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can also reduce symptoms, especially when swelling leads to discomfort.
When to See a Doctor
Persistent symptoms and mobility limitations may indicate a serious injury, requiring medical attention. When foot injuries result in prolonged discomfort and mobility problems, patients should visit a podiatrist, who can provide specialized testing and treatment. The podiatrist will conduct a physical examination, which may or may not include x-rays, MRI or ultrasound. If a fracture is serious enough to promote instability, surgery and stabilizing screws may be necessary. Stress fractures may also result in the need for a walking boot to protect and immobile the joint. Immobilization is all a common treatment for sprains, along with crutches, which help to take pressure off the injury.
Prevention
You can significantly reduce the risk of foot and ankle injuries by warming up prior to intense physical activity. You may also benefit from ankle wraps and special shoes, which provide additional joint support. If you do suffer a foot injury, it's important to refrain from activity until you've adequately healed, or you could promote chronic problems that can negatively impact your quality of life.
Convenient clinic locations
- Open 365 days a year
- Most insurances accepted
- Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm
- Weekends & Holidays 9am - 5pm
Meet our medical team
- Board certified doctors on staff
- Experienced Physician Assistants and APRNs
- Experienced in illness and injury
On-site services
If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately or go to your local emergency room.
*PhysicianOne Urgent Care will only administer the flu vaccine to privately insured and uninsured patients age 5 and older. Due to Connecticut State Law, PhysicianOne Urgent Care will not vaccinate patients under age 19 who are covered through Husky or Medicaid.
Sitemap | © 2015 PhysicianOne Urgent Care
