The feet and ankles work together to provide support and mobility to the body. A foot or ankle sprain is a soft tissue injury. Most often, a sprain occurs when an injury pulls, stretches, or tears the ligaments that connect bone to bone. A fracture is actually a break in the bone. Bones are susceptible to the following two kinds of fractures:
- A general fracture is a break in the bone, which is caused by some sort of injury. Whether you twist it the wrong way playing sports, accidentally kick something hard, or drop a heavy object on your foot, foot fractures are a common injury. Upon injury your foot may appear swollen, bruised, tender, and very painful. Dr. Julaine Miller says, “Walking may be difficult and you should try to stay off of your foot, ankle, and leg to allow the bone to heal.”
- Most stress fractures are caused by overuse and repetitive activity and are common in runners and athletes who participate in running sports, such as soccer and basketball. Unlike a normal fracture, a stress fracture does not present with bruising, but instead, some amount of swelling and a bad ache. Refraining from high-impact activities for an adequate period of time is key to recovering from a stress fracture in the foot or ankle. Returning to normal activity prematurely can not only delay the healing process but also increase the risk for a complete fracture.
Whether it be an ankle sprain, general fracture, or stress fracture, your injury should not be ignored. Upon injury, we suggest applying ice and elevating the affected lower leg to lessen swelling. Keep weight off the foot and rest it as much as possible. In addition, it is important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible to avoid further injury. Cornerstone Foot and Ankle’s team of specialists are here to aid in your road to recovery. Call now or request your appointment online today!