Your ankle can take a beating throughout each day as they support your weight and provide balance and stability. This joint comprises the ends of the lower leg bones and the ankle bone itself. The muscles and tendons help the joint move while the ligaments support and stabilize it. Here are three common ankle conditions that people experience.
Achilles tear
While Achilles tears can happen to anyone, they are most common in people who play recreational sports. This injury affects the Achilles tendon, a strong, fibrous cord in the back of the lower leg that connects the heel bone to the calf muscles. When you overstretch your Achilles tendon, it may rupture partially or completely. Symptoms of an Achilles tear include pain and swelling near the heel; the pain may be severe, or it may mimic the feeling of having been kicked hard in the calf. The person may be unable to bend their foot downward or stand on tiptoe with the injured leg. There may also be a snapping or popping sound when the injury occurs. Treatment for an Achilles tear involves rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers; when these are ineffective, minimally invasive surgery may be indicated.
Ankle bursitis
The bursa are fluid-filled sacs that cushion the areas between tendons and between tendons and bones. Bursa serves an important role both in the ankle joint and the subtalar joint because they reduce friction and help these joints move smoothly and painlessly. However, the bursa themselves can become inflamed due to stress or overuse; this is a painful condition known as bursitis. Symptoms of bursitis of the ankle include pain and tenderness in the ankle as well as swelling and a reduction in the range of motion. Possible treatments include resting the affected leg, applying ice to treat swelling, drainage of excess fluid, physical therapy, steroid injections, and, in some cases, surgery to remove the bursa.
Ankle ligament damage
There are many ways for the ligaments to become damaged. Damage to the ligaments may occur due to traumatic injuries such as missteps, falls, or direct impacts to the ankle. Like the Achilles tendon, when the ligaments in the ankle become overstretched, they can fray or rupture. Ankle ligament damage may be minor, moderate, or severe; the most severe type of damage is a complete tear. It’s important to see a specialist for ankle ligament damage as this is the only way to determine the severity of the injury. Depending on the injury, treatment may include rest and immobilization, ice and elevation to reduce swelling, or surgery in severe cases.
At Landa Spine & Orthopedic Center, we see many patients with a wide variety of ankle injuries. Through a range of effective procedures including Achilles repair, ankle arthroscopic surgery, joint aspirations and injections, and ankle ligament repair and reconstruction, we can help you get back to your normal activities free of pain. Contact us today if you are experiencing symptoms of an ankle injury.