What causes ankle and foot injuries?

There are many ways that the ankles and feet can get hurt. Broken bones (there are more than 24 of them in each foot), fractures, sprains and other injuries can happen for many reasons. They include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Slipping and falling on an uneven, wet, snowy, poorly lit, or debris-filled floor, sidewalk, pavement or other surface
• Dropping something heavy on the foot
• Assault or abuse
• Simply walking, running or moving normally might lead to an injury because the feet cover so much ground in a single day

What are symptoms of ankle and foot injuries?

Broken bones can be quite painful, and it may be tough to impossible to walk or put your weight down onto a broken foot, toe or ankle. There may also be redness or bruising, swelling, tenderness, lacerations and/or protruding bones.

What are the risk factors for ankle and foot injuries?

Several things can increase your chances of developing a foot injury. If you are above the recommended weight for your height, you could be putting more stress on your feet or ankles. Participating in sports that have a lot of direct impact and twisting, such as football, hockey, gymnastics, ballet, tennis and soccer, as well as failing to train for workouts or wearing ill-fitting shoes during exercise, can all lead to ankle or foot problems. Potentially hazardous workplaces like a construction site, or homes that are filled with too many things or have poor lighting can also cause these injuries.

What are the potential complications of ankle and foot injuries?

While rare, it’s possible to develop problems with the foot or ankle after a break, fracture or sprain has healed. Arthritis, which can stem from a fracture that ultimately affects the joint, may cause pain years after an initial injury. Bone infections may happen if bacteria attacks the bone through an open fracture. Following a major event like a motor vehicle accident, the feet or ankle may develop pain, swelling, and potential muscle disability due to the neuromuscular ailment known as compartment syndrome. And finally, nearby nerves and blood vessels can be affected by a foot or ankle injury; talk to a doctor right away if an initial injury leads to numbness or circulation problems.

Your feet and ankles are crucial for walking, running, and transporting yourself. If you have experienced foot or ankle injuries, we can help. Call Altman & Altman at 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 (toll-free) or contact us online for a free consultation.