Ankle Specialist in Homer Glen & New Lenox, IL
The ankle joint is comprised of the talus (ankle bone) and the ends of the fibula and tibia (lower legbones). Ligaments connect the bones and provide support and stabilization, and tendons and muscles allow the ankle joint to move.
The ankle joint is crucial for the stability of lower limbs and for motion; it enables you to perform a range of movements, such as running, jumping, and walking.
Injuries to the ankle bone, ligaments, tendons, and muscles are incredibly common, particularly in sporting accidents where athletes are required to perform rapid changes in direction which puts added pressure on the ankle.
Ankle are common and injuries can be very serious, with the potential to worsen if the proper ankle treatment isn’t administered after an injury.
Understanding the differences between common ankle injuries is important when determining which treatment will be required to treat the injury quickly, safely, and effectively.
Ankle Sprain Injury Treatment
Ankle sprains are the result of an unnatural twisting or force to the ankle bones of the foot. This unnatural twist of the ankle may result in excessive stretching and/or tearing of one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
- Ankle Rest
- Ankle Elevation
- Ice Pack Treatments
Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain
Chronic lateral ankle pain is recurring or chronic pain on the outside part of the ankle that often develops after an injury such as a sprained ankle.
Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain – Signs & Symptoms include:
- Ankle instability
- Difficulty walking on uneven ground
- Pain, sometimes intense, on the outer side of the ankle
- Repeated ankle sprains
- Foot & Ankle Stiffness
- Ankle Swelling
- Ankle Tenderness
The severity of the ankle sprain can determine the degree of damage and the treatment type and duration of treatment. Ankle sprains may develop into long-term problems if not accurately diagnosed or properly treated. Serious ankle sprains, may require surgery to repair and tighten the damaged ligaments.
High Ankle Sprain Treatment
High ankle sprains involve injuries to the syndesmosis ligament, which is a sheet of tissue located between the ankle joint and lower leg bones. Injuries to the higher ligaments in the ankle are not as common as normal ankle sprains, and the injury normally takes longer to recover from; recovery time is typically between 6 and 12 weeks.
High ankle sprains are commonly seen in athletes that take part in high-impact sports. The injury can occur when one foot is on the ground and the foot is twisted outwards during body rotation; excessive pushing during tackles is a common cause of this.
Signs and symptoms of a high ankle sprain can include:
- Pain that increases with foot rotation
- Pain located above the ankle
- Pain when the ankle flexes upwards
- Higher ankle swelling
- Bruising around the higher ankle
Similar to traditional sprains, a high ankle sprain can range in severity, from mild to severe. In most cases of a mild or moderate higher ankle sprain, the treatments can include:
- Compression
- Rest
- Ice
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Exercise
In some cases of severe higher ankle injuries, surgical correction may be required. Injuries to the higher ankle can also cause fractures to the fibula, so it’s important to visit an ankle doctor in Homer Glen & New Lenox IL as soon as possible if you suspect a higher ankle sprain.
At Vittori Foot & Ankle Clinic, we can diagnose higher ankle injuries through examination and x-ray to make sure that you receive the correct treatment for a fast and effective recovery.
Ankle Strain Injury Treatment
While the terms ‘sprain’ and ‘strain’ are often used interchangeably; an ankle sprain is a ligament injury, and an ankle strain is characterized as a tear, pull or twist of the tendons or muscles in the ankle.
Strains occur when a muscle or tendon becomes overstretched or tears completely. There are two types of ankle strain:
- Acute Ankle Strains
- Chronic Ankle Strains
Acute ankle strain is a strain that occurs immediately. Chronic ankle strain is an injury that has occurred over time due to repeated stress on the muscles or tendons in the ankle, often the result of the same motions repeated on a regular
basis.
The symptoms of ankle strain are similar to those of a sprain, and include:
- Reduced range of motion
- Swelling
- Redness
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle weakness
- Inflammation
- Pain
Recovery after a mild strain can be as quick as a couple of weeks, and recovery for moderate to severe injuries can take up to four months, by comparison. Common treatments for ankle strain include rest, elevation, compression, ice, and stabilization.
If you’re concerned that you may have strained your ankle, then you can contact Vittori Foot & Ankle Clinic today to schedule an appointment with an ankle specialist in Homer Glen & New Lenox IL.
Peroneal Tendonitis – Examinations & Treatment
Peroneal tendonitis is an inflammation of the peroneal tendons at the ankle joint. Each leg has two peroneal tendons; one runs down the fibula and ends at the base of the fifth metatarsal and one runs down the fibula and is connected to the foot arch.
The peroneal tendons are important for load-bearing, and stabilize the ankle, protecting it from other injuries such as sprains. Peroneal tendonitis can cause ankle instability and pain that worsens over time, especially when performing weight-bearing activities.
Peroneal tendonitis can be the subsequent result of:
- Inadequate rehabilitation after other ankle injuries
- Lower limb muscle imbalances
- Incorrect footwear
- High foot arches
- Incorrect training techniques
- Activities that increase the weight placed on the peroneal tendons
The treatment for peroneal tendonitis will depend on the severity of the condition. A professional podiatrist in Homer Glen & New Lenox IL – may advise any of the following treatments:
- Cortisone injections
- Ice
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Ankle braces
- Exercise
- Footwear modifications
Getting treatment for peroneal tendonitis as soon as possible is important to begin the recovery process quickly and safely, as well as to reduce the risk of repeat inflammation.
For expert examination and treatment for peroneal tendonitis, contact Vittori Foot & Ankle Clinic today – our expert podiatrists in Homer Glen & New Lenox IL will make sure that you get the best treatment and support.
Experienced Ankle Podiatrists in Homer Glen & New Lenox, IL
For the best possible recovery after an ankle injury in Homer Glen & New Lenox IL, getting treatment from a trained podiatrist is of the upmost importance.
The professionals at Vittori Foot & Ankle Clinic are experienced in all areas of ankle diagnostics, examination and treatment, and are always on hand to ensure that your recovery is swift and effective.
For minor to severe ankle injuries, contact Vittori Foot & Ankle Clinic today to schedule an examination in New Glen IL or New Lenox IL.
Ankle Fracture – Broken Ankle Examinations
A broken ankle can involve one or more of the bones, as well as injury to the surrounding connecting tissues or ligaments.The foot and ankle are made up of many small bones, as a result you may not immediately realize a fracture has been sustained.
It is important to get a professional examination if you’re experiencing continued irritation, discomfort , and/or foot and ankle pain. At Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialists our podiatrist may need to have an foot and ankle x-ray taken of the ankle to fully diagnose a fracture.
When a podiatrist examines an injured ankle they usually check for several foot and ankle injuries:
- Ankle Sprains
- Tendon Injuries
- Injured ligaments
- Foot & Ankle Fractures
Fractured Ankle – Broken Ankle Symptoms
To detect a fracture in the ankle or foot there are several symptoms and identifying characteristics to look for:
- Foot, Ankle, or Leg Bruising
- Deformities of the Foot
- Misalignment of Foot / Ankle
- Foot and Ankle Swelling
- Consistent Pain / Severe Pain
- Walking Difficulties
- Trouble Bearing Weight on Foot and Ankle
- Hearing a “snapping” / “popping” sound, at the time of the injury
A broken ankle fracture may require surgical correction, in severe cases to secure the bones in place so they properly heal. Through foot and ankle surgery, a podiatrist can help make sure the bone will heal correctly and align properly.
Call Vittori Foot & Ankle today to schedule an ankle Examination in Homer Glen, IL or New Lenox, IL.
