Ankle Injury Prevention and Wellness

Whether you're a young athlete, an active adult, or a concerned parent, healthy ankles are crucial for sustaining an active lifestyle. Ankle injuries can occur during sports activities or everyday life, causing pain and hindering mobility. At OrthoCarolina, our expert orthopedic specialists provide comprehensive care for ankle injuries and guidance on preventive measures, and help with navigating any and all concerns related to your ankles.

The Importance of Ankle Health

Our ankles are invaluable parts of our body, and their proper functioning affects basic daily tasks such as walking or standing. In short, the health of your ankles is essential at any age, whether you’re a competitive athlete, or active person to any degree. 

Your ankle is a joint, specifically a hinged synovial joint that is formed by the articulation of the talus, tibia, and fibula bones. Because of the complexity of the ankle joint and the constant use of your ankles, injuries (both acute or degenerative) are common conditions treated by orthopedic specialists. Congenital orthopedic conditions can also be causes of complications in one or both of your ankles. Due to the high-occurrence of ankle injuries and complications in patients of all levels of activity, OrthoCarolina has a specialized Foot and Ankle Institute, where our patients have access to highly-focused care from orthopedic doctors and surgeons who primarily treat ankles and feet.

Who’s at Risk for Ankle Injuries

Anyone can suffer from an ankle injury, either acute or degenerative (from overuse), but injuries are very common with athletes and active people. Regardless if you’re a professional athlete, or a weekend warrior shooting hoops on your days off, your ankles are in good care at OrthoCarolina.

Due to the prevalence of ankle injuries in athletes and active people of any age, OrthoCarolina has a dedicated Sports Medicine Clinic, where you’ll find orthopedic specialists that are highly experienced and trained to deal with injuries specific to athletes, including ankle injuries. 

While athletes and active adults and children deal with ankle issues from overuse or sports-related injuries, anyone can suffer from pain or injuries of the ankle. Our clinics treat patients of all ages and activity levels, regardless of what caused your ankle issues. You can make an appointment with our highly trained orthopedic specialists at our various clinic locations throughout the greater North Carolina area.

Urgent Care for Ankle Injuries

In addition to our regular clinics, OrthoCarolina provides convenient, accessible treatment at our Orthopedic Urgent Care Clinics. If you believe you’ve suffered from an acute ankle injury, our urgent care clinics provide walk-in and after hour appointments. 

While some ankle injuries can wait, others require immediate attention, and unlike regular urgent care clinics, our urgent care center specializes in orthopedic concerns. You’ll be seen by an orthopedic specialist who is uniquely trained to assess, diagnose, and treat orthopedic injuries such as ankle injuries.

Common Types of Ankle Injuries

There are several different kinds of ankle injuries, and depending on what you’re dealing with, treatment may be different. The doctors at our clinics will be able to properly assess your condition, and come up with a game plan for treatment. If you’re at home trying to decide if you need to seek care, our Hurt! App can help with understanding symptoms of common ankle injuries, and booking an appointment at one of our clinics.

Some of the most common ankle injuries include: 

• Sprained Ankles. Sprained ankles are one of the most prevalent ankle injuries. A sprain occurs when the foot twists or rolls beyond its normal range of motion. 
• Ankle Fractures. Ankle fractures are breaks in the bones that make up the ankle joint. They can occur due to a sudden impact, such as a fall or collision.
• Achilles Tendon Injuries. The Achilles tendon, located at the back of the ankle, can be susceptible to injuries such as Achilles tendinitis or ruptures. These injuries can occur due to overuse, sudden movements, or acute trauma.

Treatment of Ankle Injuries

After an orthopedic specialist assesess the damage to your ankle, they will provide you with professional advice about next steps. You assessment may include: 

• A comprehensive physical examination 
• X-Rays
• Stress X-Rays
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

After your ankle has been examined and diagnosed, the most common treatments for ankle injuries include:

• Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
• Physical therapy
• Bracing to support the healing process
• Surgery, in the case of severe ankle injuries

While many of the treatments for ankle injuries can be done at home, it’s important to see an orthopedic doctor before diagnosing yourself. An orthopedic specialist can make sure that you’re treating your ankle for the correct injury, and you don’t require surgery.

At our orthopedic clinics, you can also get referrals for physical or occupational therapists who can provide ongoing treatment, and ensure you regain the optimal range of motion and functionality of your ankle. Misdiagnosis or improper treatment of ankle injuries can result in complications or recurring injuries in the future, so it’s always best to get an assessment by a trained professional.

Prevention of Ankle Injuries

Prevention is a primary concern at OrthoCarolina, especially when it comes to our athletic patients who use their ankles to their full potential. Some of the most useful preventative measures orthopedic doctors recommend for ankle injuries include: 

• Warming up prior to any sports activity
• Conditioning the muscles around your ankle for your sport of choice
• Wearing the correct shoes for your activity and for your feet in general
• Replace athletic shoes when the tread wears out, and wearing supportive shoes on a day-to-day basis
• Avoid running or stepping on uneven surfaces
• Taping and bracing your ankle

In addition to these practices for ankle support, a major prevention for injury is seeking advice from a medical professional and the onset of any ankle pain or ankle weakness. Getting support from a specialist early on can prevent injuries in the long run.

Ankle Support for Overall Wellness 

At OrthoCarolina's orthopedic clinics, we take a holistic approach to health. Our team of experienced orthopedic specialists understands the unique needs of young athletes, active adults, and concerned parents. We offer comprehensive care for ankle injuries, focusing on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and effective rehabilitation strategies to ensure a swift and safe return to activity.

Our clinics provide access to cutting-edge diagnostic technology, advanced surgical techniques, and evidence-based therapies to address ankle injuries effectively. We also prioritize patient education, offering guidance on injury prevention, proper footwear selection, and ongoing ankle wellness practices.

We believe that by adopting preventive measures, seeking timely treatment, and following expert guidance, you can minimize the risk of ankle injuries and optimize your ankle health. Schedule an appointment at OrthoCarolina to receive the care you need to keep your ankles strong, healthy, and injury-free for a life full of pain-free activities.