Foot And Ankle Trauma Specialist

What is foot and ankle trauma?

Your feet are engineering marvels that contain 26 bones and 33 joints. These structures work in coordination with one another to help you balance, walk, and exercise. However, because they support the weight of your entire body, they’re also susceptible to injury. 

Foot and ankle trauma is an umbrella term used to describe any injury that negatively impacts the function, strength, or movement of your feet and ankles. Common causes of foot and ankle trauma include stress fractures, ankle sprains, crush injuries, and open wounds. 

What causes foot and ankle trauma?

Foot and ankle trauma occurs for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s a result of an accident such as stumbling, tripping, or stubbing your toe on something. Other times, it occurs due to stepping on something awkwardly, falling, or dropping a heavy object such as a box or free weight.

Regularly participating in physical activity also increases your risk of foot and ankle trauma. For example, people who participate in high-impact sports such as basketball, football, or soccer are more likely to develop stress fractures, which are tiny, microscopic cracks in your bones that grow larger over time. 

If I experience foot and ankle trauma, what should I do?

If you experience foot and ankle trauma, stop whatever you’re doing, and take pressure off of your affected foot or ankle. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, conservative at-home measures of care such as ice, rest, and elevation may be enough to provide relief. However, it’s important to schedule an appointment at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle if: 

• Your foot or ankle is visibly swollen
• Your toes or feet are cold or numb
• Your toes or feet turn blue or grey
• You have an open wound or broken skin near the injury

You should also seek professional medical help if you suffer a crush injury. For example, if you drop a free weight or another heavy object on your foot or ankle, it’s important to undergo a series of X-rays. 

What is the treatment for foot and ankle trauma?

Treatment for foot and ankle trauma depends on the type and severity of your injury. Following an exam and discussion of your symptoms, your North Central Texas Foot & Ankle provider might recommend: 

• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy
• Regenerative medicine such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapy
• Medical-grade supplements

If your foot and ankle trauma is severe, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery may be necessary. 

If you or a loved one experience foot and ankle trauma, don’t hesitate to seek treatment. Make an appointment at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle by calling the office nearest you or by clicking the online booking tool today.