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Reasons for procedures
There are numerous issues that can lead to surgical treatment or other therapeutic procedures for the feet and lower legs, including:
Types of corrective treatments
Depending on the specific issue, there are several surgical procedures and non-surgical therapies to treat disorders of the feet and lower legs.
Surgery
Surgical procedures will depend on the specific problem; however, some general surgeries for the feet and lower leg include:
Non-surgical treatments
Like surgical procedures, there are numerous non-surgical therapies that can be used to treat problems with feet and lower legs. These treatments will vary based on the condition; some common therapies include:
Post-treatment/recovery information
Some foot and lower-leg treatments, especially non-surgical therapies, have little or no recovery time. More invasive treatments will require a longer recovery period. Depending on the extent treatment needed, following the procedure a patient may be required to:
Because treatment methods vary so greatly, it is important for you to visit a skilled podiatrist to determine the most effective procedure or therapy for your foot or lower-leg problem.
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Causes of ankle fractures
Ankle fractures occur when your ankle joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion. If the ankle is not straightened immediately, the bones that make up the joint can crack or fracture in an instant.
Fractures often result from the same type of movements that cause ankle sprains, including:
While many ankle fractures occur when a running or jumping athlete slips or rapidly changes direction, it is just as easy for you to sustain an ankle fracture while out enjoying a leisurely walk or carrying out typical housework.
Fractured ankle symptoms
Unlike ankle sprains, where you can usually walk on your injury, ankle fractures are more painful. Most people cannot put weight on a fractured ankle.
Common symptoms of a fractured ankle include:
Both an ankle fracture and severe ankle sprain will produce immediate pain and swelling at the joint. While a severe sprain will heal in a week or two and pain will subside, a fractured ankle will continue to hurt until the injury is treated.
Treatment of fractured ankles
It is important to see a physician right away following any ankle injury. The doctor will examine your foot and ankle region, looking for dislocation, and may order x-rays or imaging tests to determine the extent of the injury. Because every ankle fracture is unique, treatment will vary depending on the severity of your injury. On average, a fractured ankle will require 4-8 weeks to heal.
Non-surgical treatment
Minor fractures can be managed as an ankle sprain and treated using the R.I.C.E. guidelines of rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Serious fractures are always treated with immobilization, where the ankle and foot are protected with a cast to allow the bone(s) to heal. Your doctor may recommend a "walking cast", which will allow your foot to bear weight, or a non-weight bearing cast, which will require the use of crutches to move around.
Depending on the severity of the fracture and degree of discomfort experienced after the injury, your doctor may also prescribe pain medication.
Surgical treatment
If the bones in the ankle joint cannot be realigned, or if any bone has broken through the skin of the ankle, surgical intervention might be necessary. Your surgeon will select the procedure that is appropriate for the injury.
If you have sustained a serious ankle injury, make sure to visit your doctor as soon as possible. The earlier an ankle fracture is diagnosed the sooner treatment can begin.
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