Did you know that foot and ankle injuries account for approximately 25% of all sports-related injuries? Whether caused by an awkward step, overuse, or an unexpected accident, these injuries are not only common but can also significantly impact your daily activities and mobility.
At Barrintgon Orthopedic Specialists, our team of highly trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons – including Dr. Lynette Mahoney, Dr. Raymond O’Hara and Dr. Narendra Patel – specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. Serving the Greater Chicago area with locations in Schaumburg ,Elk Grove Village, Bartlett, and Buffalo Grove we are dedicated to providing personalized, comprehensive care to help you return to your active lifestyle.
If you're experiencing foot or ankle pain, don't wait to seek professional care. Schedule an appointment with our specialists today to start your journey toward recovery.
Read on to learn more about common foot and ankle injuries, their symptoms, and the treatments available to help you heal.
Common Foot and Ankle Injuries
Ankle and foot injuries can range from mild sprains to severe fractures, impacting your ability to walk, run, or even stand. Some of the most common injuries include:
Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments in your ankle are stretched or torn. This can happen due to a sudden twist, fall, or overuse of the joint. Did you know that approximately 28,000 Americans sprain their ankles each day? If left untreated, a sprained ankle can lead to chronic pain and instability.
Ankle sprains can manifest through:
- Pain, especially when bearing weight on the affected foot
- Swelling and bruising around the ankle
- Limited range of motion
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
- Instability or a feeling of the ankle “giving way”
In most cases, ankle sprains can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to reduce pain and swelling. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to seek care by foot and ankle specialists.
Fractured Ankle
A fractured ankle is a break or cracks in any of the ankle bones that make up your ankle joint. This type of injury can occur due to trauma, such as a fall or impact during sports, or from overuse. Signs and symptoms of a fractured ankle may include:
- Immediate and severe pain
- Swelling and bruising around the affected area
- Difficulty bearing weight on the injured foot
- Deformity of the joint (in some cases)
If you suspect that you have a fractured ankle, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Leaving this type of injury untreated can lead to long-term complications.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and is responsible for pushing off the ground when you walk, run, or jump. When this tendon becomes inflamed or torn, it can cause pain and discomfort in your heel and lower calf.
Some common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:
- Pain and stiffness along the back of the ankle
- Swelling and tenderness near the heel
- Discomfort that worsens with activity
- Limited range of motion in the ankle
Ignoring ongoing symptoms of Achilles tendonitis can lead to a complete rupture of the tendon, requiring surgery for repair.
Plantar Fasciitis
This condition occurs when the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, from your heel to your toes (known as plantar fascia), becomes inflamed. It's one of the most common causes of heel pain, primarily affecting runners and individuals who are overweight or have flat feet.
Signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Sharp pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel
- Foot stiffness and discomfort when taking your first steps in the morning or after sitting for an extended period.
- Tenderness in the arch of the foot
If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic heel pain and difficulty with everyday activities. Seeking treatment from a specialist can help alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term complications.
Treatment Options for Foot and Ankle Injuries
The right treatment for a foot or ankle injury depends on its type and severity. At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, we provide a range of options tailored to your needs, from conservative care to advanced surgical solutions.
Conservative Treatment Options
For mild to moderate injuries, non-surgical treatments are often effective in relieving pain, promoting healing, and restoring mobility:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that put pressure on the injured area allows the body to heal naturally, particularly for sprains or stress fractures.
- Ice: Applying ice packs helps reduce swelling and numbs pain in the affected area.
- Compression: Wrapping the injured area with a bandage or compression sleeve minimizes swelling and supports the joint or muscles.
- Elevation: Elevating the injured foot or ankle above heart level can reduce inflammation and improve circulation for faster recovery.
- Physical Therapy: Our specialists may recommend customized exercises to strengthen the injured area, improve mobility, and prevent future injuries.
Advanced Surgical Solutions
When conservative treatments are not enough, our skilled surgeons provide advanced surgical options to repair or reconstruct damaged tissues or bones. These procedures are designed to address severe or complex injuries with the latest minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery and better outcomes.
Some of our surgical options include:
- Achilles Tendon Repair: Restores the function of a ruptured or severely damaged Achilles tendon.
- Ankle Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to treat issues within the ankle joint.
- Ankle Joint Replacement: Replaces a damaged joint with an artificial implant to restore mobility and reduce pain.
- Bunionectomy: Removes the bunion and realigns the joint for improved comfort and aesthetics.
- Charcot Foot Treatment: Addresses the complex deformities caused by Charcot foot with reconstructive techniques.
- Deformity Correction: Realigns and stabilizes the foot or ankle to restore proper function.
- Lisfranc Fracture Repair: Repairs injuries to the midfoot to restore stability and mobility.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, we prioritize minimally invasive approaches whenever possible to reduce recovery times, minimize scarring, and achieve optimal outcomes.
Rehabilitation and Recovery Strategies
Whether you undergo surgery or opt for conservative treatments, rehabilitation is an essential part of the healing process. Our specialists will work with you to develop a recovery plan tailored to your specific injury and lifestyle.
Following an injury, it's important to:
- Follow Instructions: Our team will provide detailed post-surgery or post-treatment instructions to promote proper healing.
- Attend Follow-Up Visits: Regular follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and adjust treatment plans as needed.
- Take It Slow: Returning to physical activity too quickly can lead to re-injury. Be sure to follow our guidelines for gradually increasing activity levels.
- Practice Good Self-care: Getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated can all help support the healing process.
- Ask for Help: Don't hesitate to reach out to our team if you have any questions or concerns during your recovery. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Prevention Tips for Foot and Ankle Injuries
While some foot and ankle injuries are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of developing them:
- Choose Appropriate Footwear: Wear shoes that fit well, provide proper support, and are appropriate for the activity you are doing.
- Warm Up and Cool Down: Before any physical activity, be sure to warm up your muscles with gentle stretches. Afterward, cool down with more stretches to prevent stiffness and injury.
- Listen to Your Body: If you experience pain or discomfort during exercise or daily activities, pay attention to it and modify or stop if necessary.
- Gradually Increase Activity Levels: Avoid jumping into intense physical activity without building up to it gradually. This can help prevent overuse injuries.
- Stay Active: Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help strengthen muscles and reduce the risk of injury.
When to Seek Professional Orthopedic Care
While some mild injuries can heal with rest and self-care, others require medical attention to avoid long-term damage or chronic pain. You should consider scheduling an appointment with a specialist if you experience:
- Persistent pain that does not improve with rest, ice, and over-the-counter medication.
- Swelling or bruising that worsens or does not subside after a few days.
- Difficulty walking, standing, or bearing weight on the affected foot or ankle.
- Deformity, such as a misaligned joint or abnormal swelling, in the foot or ankle.
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the affected area.
- Recurring injuries that interfere with your daily activities or athletic performance.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Barrington Orthopedic Specialists for specialized care and treatment options.
Why Choose Barrington Orthopedic Specialists?
Barrington Orthopedic Specialists is dedicated to providing personalized care to help you get back on your feet. With decades of experience and a commitment to excellence, we offer comprehensive solutions for all your orthopedic needs. Here are just a few reasons to choose us:
- Experienced Team: Our board-certified specialists and skilled staff, including Dr. Mahoney, Dr. O’Hara, and Dr. Patel, bring years of expertise in treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions.
- Advanced Techniques: We utilize the latest diagnostic tools and treatment methods to ensure optimal outcomes.
- Individualized Care: We create custom treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle.
- Comprehensive Services: From conservative management to advanced surgical options, we cover every aspect of orthopedic care.
- Convenient Locations: With clinics in Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Bartlett, and Buffalo Grove, access to high-quality care is always nearby.
Experience compassionate and effective care at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, where your well-being is our priority.
Ready to Overcome Foot and Ankle Pain? Visit Us Now!
Foot and ankle injuries can significantly impact your mobility and daily life, but with the right care, recovery is within reach. AtBarrington Orthopedic Specialists, our team of orthopaedic surgeons –Dr. Lynette Mahoney, Dr. Raymond O’Hara and Dr. Narendra Patel – is here to provide the expert treatment and support you need to heal effectively.
Contact our team today to schedule an appointment and discover personalized solutions designed to help you regain your active lifestyle.
