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By Virginia Carter


Repeated pressure subjected to the ankle joint and foot region makes it highly susceptible to damage and disruption which commonly presents in form of pain and swelling. Failure to intervene appropriately may result in complications some of which may negatively impact on the day to day life of the affected individual. These are some the basic facts on foot and ankle treatment Grand Prairie Tx residents may find useful.

Excessive walking or marching, as occurs in some groups of people such as the army can result in fractures of the bones of the feet. These kind of fractures are commonly known as stress fractures due to repeated pressure subjected to the bones. Stress fractures are usually managed through resting the limb for about eight weeks to allow union of the bones to occur naturally.

Fractures around the ankles and feet can also be sustained through direct trauma which commonly happens in sports or when a person accidentally slips and ends bending the foot inwards. Such cases often present as swelling and tenderness around the joint and a break in bone can only be confirmed through radiologically imaging. The doctor will splint the area to provide comfort and prevent further injury. Medication is prescribed to help minimize the pain and inflammation. Elevating the foot also helps to minimize the swelling.

The skin acts as a protective barrier, hence once it is exposed, one faces the risk of infection. This infection can easily overwhelm the body if not detected early and treated with the right antibiotics. If you injured area oozes pus, is inflamed, tender and warm to touch, then it is likely that you have an infected wound.

Chronic pain around the ankle joint is usually as result of arthritis, especially among the elderly. Osteoarthritis can also occur in young people secondary to physical trauma. The mainstay of treatment is medication to relieve pain and lifestyle modification. However, in severe cases, surgery is indicated. Surgery aims at realigning the joint, fusing it, or completely replacing it.

People living with diabetes, venous varicosity, deep vein thrombosis(DVT) among other chronic lower limb diseases, are at a high risk of ankle and foot ulcers. As such proper care is needed to prevent formation of these ulcers and other complications including infection and decay of tissues. Prophylactic drugs should be given for people who are high risk of clotting.

The risk of injury to the lower limb is higher among people with chronic illnesses such as varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis and diabetes. Diabetic patients are usually advised to provide extra care to their feet in terms of wearing appropriate shoes and proper cleaning. People living with varicose veins should wear compression stockings and keep their feet elevated at night.

Malformations around the ankle and foot can either be congenital or acquired. The most common congenital disorder is club feet which is largely treated by serial casting and manipulation. Acquired deformities include bunions, flat feet, ingrown toe nails among others. Bunions and ingrown nails can be prevented by wearing comfortable shoes of the right size.




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