Las Vegas Podiatrist Dr. Pardis Kelly Offers Comprehensive Care for Foot and Ankle Injuries
Life comes to a halt when foot and ankle injuries strike, but you don’t need to sit on the sidelines forever. Dr. Pardis Kelly at Las Vegas Footcare understands the impact of these injuries on daily activities, work, sports, and child care. Schedule your appointment today to experience comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to get you back on your feet.
Common Foot and Ankle Injuries We Treat at Our Las Vegas Podiatry Office
Foot and ankle injuries can result from a fall, tackle, or misstep. Injuries can also result from overuse and chronic inflammation. Some of the most common foot and ankle injuries seen by Dr. Kelly include:
- Achilles tendinitis
- Foot and ankle fractures
- Stress fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Arch pain and shin splits
- Sesamoiditis
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the large tendon that attaches your calf muscle to your heel. Repetitive stress causes microtears in the tendon, leading to pain and dysfunction. Without treatment, Achilles tendinitis can lead to an Achilles rupture, bursitis, or tendinopathy.
Foot and Ankle Fractures
Your foot contains 26 bones — any of which can sustain a fracture. Your ankle is also vulnerable to a break at one of the three bones that make up the joint. Foot and ankle fractures need proper care to set and heal properly and prevent long-term pain.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are hairline fractures in bones of the foot or ankle. These may result from a rapid increase in your intensity level or repetitive stress on the foot or ankle. Rest and proper care allow these minor fractures to heal so you can return to your life.
Sprains and Strains
A sprain describes damage to a ligament. The most common sprains occur at the ankle. Without proper care, ankle sprains can lead to long-term ankle instability. A strain describes a stretched or torn muscle or tendon.
Arch Pain and Shin Splints
Arch pain and shin splints can occur due to nerve entrapment, ligament tear, muscle injury, tight calf muscles, ill-fitting shoes, or plantar fasciitis. Arch pain requires treatment because it can cause gait abnormalities and pain that travels up your legs, buttocks, and back.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis describes pain in the ball of the foot. The pain comes from the sesamoid bones and surrounding tissue. Hiking, wearing high heels, and foot arthritis can cause this pain.
Causes of Foot and Ankle Injuries
Anyone can sustain a foot or ankle injury at any time. Here are some of the most common causes of foot and ankle injuries:
- Accidents: You might step funny off of a curb or sustain a fall or car accident that causes damage to your foot and ankle.
- Exercise: Sports play often causes foot and ankle injuries. Being an athlete herself, Dr. Kelly understands the need to heal quickly from foot and ankle injuries so you can get back to playing as soon as possible. As a doctor, she’ll also ensure your feet and ankles are ready, so you don’t risk re-injury.
- Increase in Daily Activity: Sometimes, injuries occur in ways you don’t think are possible. For example, we have had patients with stress fractures from walking around more than normal on a vacation.
- Other Medical Concerns: Injuries can sometimes indicate other issues like fractures that occur due to bone issues like osteoporosis. An X-ray at our office can indicate this may be an issue. Dr. Kelly will direct you to specialists or your PCP for further evaluation and treatment while treating the injury that occurred due to the condition.
Treatment Options
Once a foot or ankle injury has occurred, the sooner you seek treatment, the better. With Dr. Kelly’s care and guidance, you will be back to working, playing, hiking, or getting ready for that vacation you have planned.
Treatment options typically include:
- RICE Method: This stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It's a common initial treatment for sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries. Movement modifications and physical therapy for a speedy recovery
- Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts, known as orthotics, can provide support and alleviate pain by correcting abnormal walking patterns.
- Splints or Braces: These devices can immobilize the foot or ankle, allowing for proper healing in the case of fractures or severe sprains.
- Medication: For pain and inflammation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might be prescribed. In some cases, stronger pain relief medication or corticosteroid injections may be used.
- Education and Prevention: Advice on footwear, exercises, and lifestyle changes to prevent future injuries.
Dr. Kelly will provide a surgical discussion or detailed treatments for severe injuries.