Common Foot and Ankle Injuries
In today’s fast paced world, people are more likely to injure themselves.
Podiatrists are able to diagnose and treat these emergencies when the lower
extremity (foot & ankle) is involved. Typical emergencies include ankle
fractures, sprains, injuries to toenails, puncture wounds, foreign body injuries
and burns.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are fairly common injuries. An ankle sprain is actually the
stretching or tearing of one or more of the ligaments, (a ligament is a thick
band of tissue between two bones) on either side or on both sides of the ankle.
A ligament is like a rubber band; if you stretch it and never allow it to return
to its original shape, it will lose its elasticity. This increases the possibility of
re-injury (repeat ankle sprains).
Sprained ankles can be complicated with a fracture of one or more of
the ankle bones or can occur without fractures. X-rays, utilized by your
podiatrist, can identify any fractures.
Symptoms of sprained ankles and fractures are similar discoloration
around the ankle and foot, pain and swelling. Swelling is the body’s reaction
(defense mechanism) to prevent further injury.
If ankle sprains are left untreated or undertreated, a sprained ankle can
lead to chronic ankle instability (frequent ankle sprains).
Broken Toes
Broken toes often go untreated and can be the cause of deformed toes in
the future.
A common toe fracture is caused by bumping the toe against a piece of
furniture. Unfortunately many people believe that nothing can be done for a
broken toe and therefore do not seek medical attention. Many broken toes are
displaced and, if not treated properly, cause problems in the future. With the
use of X-ray, a fracture can be diagnosed, and if it it’s displaced, it can be
realigned (put back where it belongs) in the office.
Symptoms of a broken toe, include discoloration, swelling, and pain.
Remember, if you are a diabetic or have decreased circulation or any type of
neuropathy (numbness, loss of feeling) prompt medical attention is of the
utmost importance.
Children’s Growth Plate Fractures
Epiphyseal fractures are fractures of the growth plate in children.
Children’s bones are not completely formed, and if injured and left untreated,
deformities may result. If the growth plate is injured, it may lead to a
shortened bone or an angulation type of deformity in the bone. When a child
sprains an ankle or complains of pain, it is important to seek proper attention
and treatment. Children usually will not complain of pain without cause. If
your child limps or complains of pain, proper podiatric medical attention
should be sought. Young patients with a sprain of the ankle or foot may have a
fracture of the growth pate in any of the bones of the foot or ankle. Therefore,
the foot and ankle may be immobilized in a cast for a minimum of 3 to 4
weeks.
Nail Trauma
Everyone at some time has either stubbed a toe or dropped something
on a toe. When this occurs, the nail may often be injured, and bleeding
beneath the nail can occur. The nail may then turn black or blue and may
eventually be lost.
Your podiatrist may need to release the blood under the nail. If severe
enough, your podiatrist may need to remove the nail in its entirety. The
nailbed (skin under the nail) may have suffered significant laceration (cutting)
and need immediate attention. Such an injury can be complicated and involve
a break in the bone beneath the nail. This injury is serious and need
professional wound care and possibly antibiotic therapy as soon as possible.
Regrowth of the nail after injury depends on the extent of damage to the
nail “root” or matrix. These are the specialized cells of the skin that produce
the hard nail plate.
If the nail root is not involved in the injury, then the chances of having a
normal nail return are good. If the root cells are damaged, the nail may return
thickened or/and deformed.
Burn Injuries
The two most common types of burn injuries seen by podiatric
physician are thermal and chemical burns.
A thermal burn injury, usually the most common, is a burn caused by
the contact and transfer of heat of the skin. If contact with hot object lasts long
enough or the temperature of the object is high enough, damage can also be
caused to the structures beneath the level of the skin.
A chemical burn results from contract with a chemical that is capable of
and does cause tissue damage. Not all chemicals will cause a burn injury. The
severity of these burns depends on the strength, concentration, and length of
contact with the chemical. It is important to obtain the name of the chemical,
which caused the burn, so that specific treatment can be started to neutralize
the chemical reaction
Depending upon the extent of the burn, treatment can range from cool
compresses to debridement (manual removal of damaged tissue).
In the compromised patient (diabetic patient with poor circulation or
patient with decreased sensation) prompt medical attention is vital to help
prevent infections and further damage.
Puncture Wounds
Another common traumatic injury, treated by the podiatrist is puncture
wounds and foreign bodies.
A puncture wound occurs when you step on a sharp or jagged object,
which breaks through the outer layers of the skin and may enter the deeper
tissue of the foot. These injuries typically occur in the warmer weather when
people are tempted to go outside barefooted. Children who run around the
house in their stocking feet (as they all love to do) are candidates for this type
of injury.
Foreign Bodies
A foreign body injury occurs when an object breaks through the outer
layers of the skin and becomes embedded within the deeper tissues of the
foot.
Any time a puncture wound is found in the foot, one should seek a
podiatrist to evaluate if an object is embedded in the foot. Often an X-ray is not
enough to visualize the object unless the object is composed of metal. These
injuries may require further studies to identify the foreign body and its
location. If a foreign object is left in the foot, it can continue to move into
deeper tissues, and may require surgical removal. This injury may require
antibiotic treatment or a tetanus shot.
Conclusion
Your podiatrist is able to treat the above emergencies, as well as any
other sprain, fracture, contusion, bruise, or injury of the foot. Prompt
attention may prevent future problems. Remember, if you have any
underlying problems such as diabetes or poor circulation, prompt attention is
even more important – it is urgent.