Continuous tension around the foot and ankle area makes it vulnerable to injury. The form and severity of the injury determines the symptom the patient presents with. Often times, affected individuals complain of pain, swelling and inability to move the limb. Complications can arise if these symptoms are not addressed accordingly. We will look at some of the principles concerning foot and ankle treatment Grand Prairie Tx people need to keep in mind.
Certain categories of individuals tend to be more prone to foot injuries compared to the regular folk. For instance, people living a nomadic lifestyle, soldiers, athletes and so forth. The bones in these groups of people gradually become damaged or fractured with time. Fractures sustained in this way are commonly referred to as stress or fatigue fractures. This kind of injury simply needs splintage and weight bearing kept at a minimum. It takes about six to twelve weeks for the bones to regain normal strength.
Fractures around the ankles and feet can also be sustained through direct trauma which commonly happens in sports or when a person accidentally slips and ends bending the foot inwards. Such cases often present as swelling and tenderness around the joint and a break in bone can only be confirmed through radiologically imaging. The doctor will splint the area to provide comfort and prevent further injury. Medication is prescribed to help minimize the pain and inflammation. Elevating the foot also helps to minimize the swelling.
The skin acts as a protective barrier, hence once it is exposed, one faces the risk of infection. This infection can easily overwhelm the body if not detected early and treated with the right antibiotics. If you injured area oozes pus, is inflamed, tender and warm to touch, then it is likely that you have an infected wound.
Chronic pain around the ankle joint is usually as result of arthritis, especially among the elderly. Osteoarthritis can also occur in young people secondary to physical trauma. The mainstay of treatment is medication to relieve pain and lifestyle modification. However, in severe cases, surgery is indicated. Surgery aims at realigning the joint, fusing it, or completely replacing it.
People living with diabetes, venous varicosity, deep vein thrombosis(DVT) among other chronic lower limb diseases, are at a high risk of ankle and foot ulcers. As such proper care is needed to prevent formation of these ulcers and other complications including infection and decay of tissues. Prophylactic drugs should be given for people who are high risk of clotting.
The risk of injury to the lower limb is higher among people with chronic illnesses such as varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis and diabetes. Diabetic patients are usually advised to provide extra care to their feet in terms of wearing appropriate shoes and proper cleaning. People living with varicose veins should wear compression stockings and keep their feet elevated at night.
Acquired and congenital malformations involving the ankle joint and foot area can occur. These include congenital talipes equinovarus(CTEV), also known as club feet. Wearing tight shoes for too long can result in bony outgrowths(bunions) especially of the big toe. The normal arch of the feet can also be distorted if one wears extremely flat feet or high heeled shoes for too long. CTEV is treatable through manipulation of the bones to correct the anomaly and then putting the limb in a cast for a given period of time. Surgery can be performed to excise bunions.
Certain categories of individuals tend to be more prone to foot injuries compared to the regular folk. For instance, people living a nomadic lifestyle, soldiers, athletes and so forth. The bones in these groups of people gradually become damaged or fractured with time. Fractures sustained in this way are commonly referred to as stress or fatigue fractures. This kind of injury simply needs splintage and weight bearing kept at a minimum. It takes about six to twelve weeks for the bones to regain normal strength.
Fractures around the ankles and feet can also be sustained through direct trauma which commonly happens in sports or when a person accidentally slips and ends bending the foot inwards. Such cases often present as swelling and tenderness around the joint and a break in bone can only be confirmed through radiologically imaging. The doctor will splint the area to provide comfort and prevent further injury. Medication is prescribed to help minimize the pain and inflammation. Elevating the foot also helps to minimize the swelling.
The skin acts as a protective barrier, hence once it is exposed, one faces the risk of infection. This infection can easily overwhelm the body if not detected early and treated with the right antibiotics. If you injured area oozes pus, is inflamed, tender and warm to touch, then it is likely that you have an infected wound.
Chronic pain around the ankle joint is usually as result of arthritis, especially among the elderly. Osteoarthritis can also occur in young people secondary to physical trauma. The mainstay of treatment is medication to relieve pain and lifestyle modification. However, in severe cases, surgery is indicated. Surgery aims at realigning the joint, fusing it, or completely replacing it.
People living with diabetes, venous varicosity, deep vein thrombosis(DVT) among other chronic lower limb diseases, are at a high risk of ankle and foot ulcers. As such proper care is needed to prevent formation of these ulcers and other complications including infection and decay of tissues. Prophylactic drugs should be given for people who are high risk of clotting.
The risk of injury to the lower limb is higher among people with chronic illnesses such as varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis and diabetes. Diabetic patients are usually advised to provide extra care to their feet in terms of wearing appropriate shoes and proper cleaning. People living with varicose veins should wear compression stockings and keep their feet elevated at night.
Acquired and congenital malformations involving the ankle joint and foot area can occur. These include congenital talipes equinovarus(CTEV), also known as club feet. Wearing tight shoes for too long can result in bony outgrowths(bunions) especially of the big toe. The normal arch of the feet can also be distorted if one wears extremely flat feet or high heeled shoes for too long. CTEV is treatable through manipulation of the bones to correct the anomaly and then putting the limb in a cast for a given period of time. Surgery can be performed to excise bunions.
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