Ankle injuries can happen to anyone at any age. Although sportspersons are more prone to these injuries, but anyone can twist their ankle and hurt it. Sometimes an activity as simple as walking on an uneven surface can create a painful, debilitating sprain.
Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons providing ankle injury treatments. Patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive treatments from them.
Causes
When the ankle joint gets twisted too far out of its natural position, an ankle injury will occur. Sports activities, and walking or running on an uneven surface, are the most common causes for the occurrence of ankle injuries. These activities can force the foot and ankle into an unnatural position.
High-heeled shoes can also create an unnatural position of the ankle. Similarly, if a person walks in unstable or loose fitting clogs or sandals may also be at a risk of sustaining an ankle injury. In addition to wearing improper footwear, the ankle injury may be caused due to:
- Tripping or falling
- Running or walking on an uneven surface
- Landing incorrectly after a jump
- Rolling the ankle
- Twisting or rotating the ankle
- A sudden impact such as a car crash
Treatment
Ankle Fractures
Ankle fractures may be treated surgically or non-surgically, depending on the nature of injury. If only a single ankle bone is broken, the bones are not out of place, and the ankle is stable, the surgeon may decide to treat the fracture without surgery by immobilizing the ankle. A brace or a cast may be used to work as a splint.
However, if the ankle is unstable, surgery may be used to address the fracture. A metal plate and screws are often used to restore stability of the ankle. After the surgery, the ankle is protected with a splint until the swelling is resolved. Thereafter, a cast may be used.
The fractured ankle bones will usually heal in about six weeks. The surgeon may require the patient to keep weight off the ankle during this period to enable the bones to heal in the right alignment.
Ankle Sprains
The ankle sprain may be treated according to the severity of the injury. Surgery will be used in rare cases where the damage involves more than the ligaments and other treatment options have not worked. A mild sprain can be treated with the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) approach. A splint or a cast will not be required.
In case of moderate or severe sprains, again RICE approach will be used, but here more time will be allowed for the healing to occur. Sometimes the surgeon may use a device such as a splint or a boot to immobilize the ankle. Physical therapy may be combined with the treatment.
Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Bigler and Dr. Thomas receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and other areas for state of the art treatments for ankle injuries.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394