Foot and Ankle Injury Specialist

What are common foot and ankle injuries?

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

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 get back 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. 

When do foot and ankle injuries occur?

Anyone can sustain a foot or ankle injury at any time. You might step funny off of a curb or sustain a fall or car accident that causes damage to your foot and ankle. 

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.

What types of treatments are available for foot and ankle injuries?

Treatment usually involves some forms of rest, icing, compression, and elevation. Dr. Kelly may recommend movement modifications and physical therapy to get your feet healed as soon as possible. 

She may also recommend specialized orthotic inserts and bracing to prevent future or further injuries. Dr. Kelly also educates you on surgery or other detailed treatments that are sometimes required in severe foot and ankle injuries.

Get the care you need for your foot and ankle injury. Call Las Vegas Footcare today to set up your appointment, or use this website to reach out to the friendly staff online.