The Foot & Ankle Center of Dallas

An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ankle is twisted or turned, and results in torn ligaments within the joint. This injury often causes pain, swelling and bruising, and if it does not heal properly, it may lead to chronic ankle instability or repeated ankle sprains. Ankle ligament reconstruction is a procedure commonly performed on patients experiencing chronic ankle instability and repeated ankles sprains. It is effective in repairing torn ligaments, tightening loosened ligaments and improving the overall stability of the joint. The Ankle Ligament Reconstruction Procedure The ankle ligament reconstruction procedure is performed on an outpatient basis while the patient is sedated under general anesthesia. Different techniques may be used by the surgeon, depending on the condition of the ankle. During the procedure, torn ligaments may be repaired with stitches or sutures, two ligaments may be reattached, or part of a lateral tendon around the ankle may be used to repair the torn ligament. After the procedure is complete, a splint or cast is applied to the ankle. This procedure may take up to 2 hours to perform. Risks Of Ankle Ligament Reconstruction As with any surgery, there are possible complications associated with ankle ligament reconstruction which may include: Reaction to anesthesia Nerve damage Infection Bleeding After surgery, blood clots within the veins of the legs may also occur. Recovery From Ankle Ligament Reconstruction After surgery, patients will use crutches for up to two weeks. After this time, they may begin walking in a removable walking boot. Physical therapy is a crucial part of the healing process, and usually begins after about six weeks. Physical therapy treatments focus on improving range of motion without putting excessive strain on the healing tendons. Muscle-stengthening exercises and range of motion exercises may all be used to increase movement and mobility. Most patients fully recover from ankle ligament reconstruction after three to four months, and at that time they can resume all regular activities including running and exercise.

Because of their distance from the heart and because of the force of gravity, the feet and legs are more at risk for difficulties with circulation and healing than other parts of the body. In patients with diabetes, these risks are exacerbated by the disease since diabetes can lead to: impaired circulation, nerve damage (neuropathy), and a damaged immune system. Not only is the diabetic patient less able to fight off infection, but is also frequently unaware of injuries because of neuropathy and impaired vision. Daily Regimen Since patients with diabetes are at high risk for developing problems with their feet, it is extremely important for them to establish a healthy routine of foot care. An effective daily regimen should include: Thoroughly inspecting the feet every day Washing the feet in temperate water daily Keeping the feet dry, especially between the toes Changing socks daily Taking careful care of nails, corns, calluses Applying moisturizer to dry skin, but not between the toes Not walking barefoot Wearing properly fitted shoes Carefully monitoring blood glucose levels Diabetic patients should also make sure to take care of their general health in order to avoid potentially serious problems with their feet. In addition to having regular medical checkups, they should have regular appointments with a podiatrist to make sure of proper foot care and the detection of any injuries or abnormalities. A healthy lifestyle is especially important for patients with diabetes. This includes maintaining an appropriate weight, engaging in gentle exercise such as swimming or biking, avoiding smoking and not drinking alcohol, and keeping cholesterol levels under control. Following these directives considerably lowers the probability of the development of diabetic foot problems and lowers the risk of the serious consequences of neglect.

The ankle is the joint that connects the shinbone, or the tibia, to the upper bone of the foot. When part of the ankle has been damaged, it can affect other parts of the ankle and foot, leading to chronic ankle instability and other ankle problems. Certain ankle conditions may affect the joints of the ankle, causing stiffness and pain, and difficulty walking. Individuals with chronic ankle problems may undergo rehabilitation to regain strength in the ankle, increase flexibility, or relearn how to perform tasks such as walking. Rehabilitation may be helpful in treating patients who may suffer from: Osteoarthritis of the ankle Ankle impingement Chronic ankle instability Ankle sprain Although the initial methods used to treat ankle problems may vary, rehabilitation is always necessary after the initial treatment, to restore full movement and mobility to the ankle and help the patient return to all usual activities. Without proper rehabilitation, complications such as chronic pain, inflammation and weakness may cause difficulty walking and performing physical activities. Physical therapy treatments may include: Muscle-strengthening exercises Gradual weight-bearing activities Range-of-motion exercises Balance training Depending on the patient's physical job requirements or athletic activities, a physical therapist may create a tailored treatment plan. Recovery times vary for each patient, and in severe cases, a physical therapy program may be on-going to ensure full mobility is restored to the ankle.

Disorders of the foot develop from a wide range of causes, many of which can be treated with reconstructive foot surgery. Reconstructive surgery can help repair congenital defects, diseases and injuries, often alleviating aesthetic concerns at the same time as it relieves serious medical symptoms and restores normal function. While conservative treatments are frequently the first response to foot disorders, in many cases, reconstructive surgery may be the best available option. Most often, reconstructive foot surgery can be performed outpatient, with minimally invasive techniques. More complex cases will require overnight hospital stay for 24 hour observation. Reasons For Reconstructive Foot Surgery Reconstructive foot surgery can be used to treat a wide range of foot problems which, while they may result from physical trauma to bone or muscle, may also stem from disorders of various body systems that interfere with circulation, tissue health or locomotion. Patients may require reconstructive foot surgery because of: Hereditary or Genetic conditions Post traumatic arthritis Vascular disease Arthritic disease Surgery can involve any part of the foot and may involve skin, tendon, bone, joint, ligament or muscle repair. Screws, pins, wires and plates may be required to help the foot heal and ensure full recovery. Common Types Of Reconstructive Foot Surgery The type of surgical procedure performed depends on the type and severity of the problem, but, regardless of type, the surgical goal is to alleviate pain and restore weight-bearing stability, function and normal appearance. Types of reconstructive foot surgery commonly performed include: Ankle Fusion Ankle Replacement (arthroplasty) Charcot Reconstruction Flatfoot Reconstruction (pediatric & adult) Cavus Foot Reconstruction Recovery time varies, depending on the specific surgical procedure performed. For most varieties of reconstructive foot surgery, the patient's foot will have to be immobilized with a bandage or cast for a period of several weeks to many months and the patient may require crutches until the foot can bear weight. After surgery, a program of physical therapy will be necessary to assist the patient in regaining full strength and range of motion.

An ankle fracture, commonly known as a broken ankle, involves any type of break or crack, often caused by a sports injury or a fall, in the tibia, fibula, or talus. This injury can include injury to one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. The more bones that are broken, the more complicated and severe the fracture is. Treatment for a broken ankle depends on the type and severity of the individual fracture, but may include wearing a cast or brace, applying ice and taking anti-inflammatory medication. Stable fractures can usually heal on their own within a few weeks, while more complicated ones may require surgery to reposition the broken bone. Although the methods used to treat ankle fractures vary, rehabilitation is always necessary after the initial treatment, to restore full movement and mobility to the ankle and help the patient return to all usual activities. After the ankle bone has healed from the initial treatment for the fracture, and patients can bear weight on the joint, a physical therapy regimen is implemented to strengthen muscles and increase mobility. Without proper rehabilitation, complications such as chronic pain, inflammation and weakness may cause difficulty walking and performing physical activities. Nonsurgical Rehabilitation For Ankle Fracture If the ankle fracture does not require surgery, it is often treated with a cast or removable brace, and patients are typically advised not to put any weight on the ankle for about 6 weeks. A physical therapist will help the patient to walk safely using crutches or a walker, or another assistive device. Once the cast or brace has been removed and patients can begin moving the ankle, physical therapy and home exercise are extremely important for a full recovery. Physical therapy treatments may include: Muscle-strengthening exercises Gradual weight-bearing activities Range-of-motion exercises Balance training Depending on the patient's physical job requirements or athletic activities, a physical therapist may create a tailored treatment plan. Recovery times vary for each patient, but most individuals can return to all normal activities within 3 to 4 months. Rehabilitation After Ankle Fracture Surgery Rehabilitation after ankle fracture surgery is often a slow and cautious process. After surgery, the ankle is put in a cast or set in a brace for about 6 weeks. A physical therapist works with the patient to make sure that he or she is using crutches safely. The patient may not be able to bear weight on the ankle for up to 12 weeks. Initial physical therapy treatments may focus on controlling pain and swelling with the use of ice or electrical stimulation treatments. Massage may also be used to ease muscle pain. Physical therapy exercise treatments focus on improving range of motion without putting excessive strain on the healing bone or ligaments. As the ankle heals, muscle-stengthening exercises, range-of-motion exercises and balance training may all be used to increase movement and mobility. Full recovery after ankle fracture surgery may take up to 6 months.

Although the methods used to treat foot injuries vary, rehabilitation is always necessary after the initial treatment, to restore full movement and mobility to the foot and ankle and help the patient return to all usual activities. After the foot has healed from the initial treatment and patients can bear weight on the joint, a physical therapy regimen is implemented to strengthen muscles and increase mobility. Rehabilitation often takes three forms: Pain management to decrease discomfort Physical therapy to increase strength and mobility Occupational therapy to help perform day-to-day activities Without proper rehabilitation, complications such as chronic pain, inflammation and weakness may cause difficulty walking and performing physical activities. Nonsurgical Rehabilitation If the foot injury does not require surgery, it may be treated with a removable brace, and patients are typically advised not to put any weight on the foot for about 6 weeks. If necessary, a physical therapist will help the patient to walk safely using crutches, a walker, or other assistive device. Once the brace has been removed and patients can begin moving the foot and ankle, physical therapy and home exercise are extremely important for a full recovery. Physical therapy treatments may include: Muscle-strengthening exercises Gradual weight-bearing activities Range-of-motion exercises Balance training A physical therapist may create a tailored treatment plan, based on the patient's physical job requirements or athletic activities. Recovery times vary for each patient, depending on the severity of the injury. Rehabilitation After Surgery Rehabilitation after surgery is often a slow and cautious process. After surgery, the foot is put in a cast or set in a brace for about 6 weeks. A physical therapist works with the patient to make sure that he or she is using crutches safely. The patient may not be able to bear weight on the ankle for up to 12 weeks. Initial physical therapy treatments may focus on controlling pain and swelling with the use of ice or electrical stimulation treatments. Massage may also be used to ease muscle pain. Physical therapy exercise treatments focus on improving range of motion without putting excessive strain on the healing bone or ligaments. As healing progresses, muscle-stengthening exercises, range-of-motion exercises and balance training may all be used to increase movement and mobility. Full recovery after surgery may take up to 6 months.

Sports medicine is a subspecialty that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries suffered during athletic activity. The goal of treatment is to heal and rehabilitate injuries so patients can quickly return to their athletic activities. Participating in sports places wear-and-tear on the body, and can lead to orthopaedic injuries. Athletes are susceptible to injuries that include stress fractures and chronic pain, as well as tearing or stretching of internal structures. Treatment for these conditions can involve surgery, orthotics, physical therapy and rest. Specialized Care In Sports Medicine Many physicians work together to help a patient regain maximum use of an injured limb or joint. A sports injury is typically treated by a foot and ankle surgeon, rehabilitation specialist, athletic trainer and physical therapist, all of whom have specialized training in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of sports injuries. Common injuries treated in sports medicine include: Fractures (forefoot, rearfoot & ankle) Lateral/Medial ankle instability Torn tendons and ligaments Lisfranc injuries Achilles rupture Turf toe Sports injuries are often repairable with arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to diagnose and sometimes treat joint injuries and disease through small incisions in the skin. Prevention Of Injuries In Sports Medicine In order to prevent sports injuries, it is important for athletes to take care of themselves before, during and after physical activity; this helps to ensure long-term athletic health. Some of the most effective injury prevention tips include the following: Stretching Strength & mobility training Not working out on an empty stomach Warming up before exercising Increasing activity levels only gradually Seeking proper medical care at the first sign of a sports injury is imperative because continued activity can lead to even more damage.