Don’t Minimize Ankle Pain

Nothing slows down an active person like ankle pain. Nothing can curtail a training regimen like an ankle pain. Swelling, tenderness and pain often will not go away without treatment by a licensed professional. "People underestimate ankle injuries all the time," says Dr. Foley. "I hear, oh, I just twisted it, or I rolled it, I can tape it up and go. The first thing people should do is shut it down and get a proper diagnosis."Recurring or persistent (chronic) pain on the outer (lateral) side of the ankle often develops when there is incomplete healing after an ankle sprain. When you sprain your ankle, the connecting tissue (ligament) between the bones is stretched or torn. Without thorough and complete rehabilitation, the ligament or surrounding muscles may remain weak, resulting in recurrent instability. "I can’t tell you how many times patients re-injure themselves after rushing back to their activity," Dr. Foley adds. "Serious ankle injuries requiring a comprehensive rehabilitation program can take weeks to heal," says Dr. Foley. "Most patients get antsy and want to resume their activity before the ankle is strong enough. Unless you’re playing for the Lakers or Dodgers, there’s no rush."

Winter Sports Are Fun-But BEWARE

Southern California is a fantastic place for outdoor enthusiasts of all kind. This time of year skiers and snowboarders head to the mountains to test their skills. Just as in any other sport, sometimes overuse leads to feet and ankle injuries. It may be a simple sprain or more complicated fracture or dislocation. With any injury it’s wise to get diagnosed and treated quickly, but because many of these injuries occur on trips, people put off treatment until they get home. Not a good idea. An untreated ankle sprain could lead chronic instability. If it’s a fracture, you don’t want the bones to start healing until they are aligned properly. A stretched tendon or an injured joint demand the same kind of quick medical attention.

Tips:

1. Make sure skates, ski boots or snowboard boots fit properly. Lace up skates tightly enough to give your ankle proper support.
2. If you haven’t engaged in these activities since last winter, start conditioning two weeks ahead of time doing specific exercises to condition the muscles used in that sport.

Dr. V PodCast Now Features Info on Ankle Sprains

One of the most common injuries, but often times overlooked, is the sprained ankle. It can be far more serious than you think. In this month’s Dr. V Podcast, Dr. Foley offers her overview. Download today !

Ask Dr. V

If you have a question regarding a foot, toe or ankle injury, you can always e-mail me at drfoley@doctorvikki.com. I can always direct you to general information, but to be specific, I do require you to make an appointment and come in for a full examination. It’s the “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” theory.