Q & A
STAYING
ONE STEP AHEAD
TO HELP YOU HEAL SORE ANKLES AND FEET , ATLANTIC MEDICAL GROUP ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
CHRISTOPHER HUBBARD , MD ,
ANSWERS SOME COMMON QUESTIONS .
THEY CARRY US FROM ROOM TO ROOM .
THEY HELP US RUN THROUGH THE PARK .
THEY GROUND US WHEN WE HUG OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN .
OUR FEET AND ANKLES SUPPORT US THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES .
SO , WHEN WE SUFFER AN ANKLE SPRAIN OR INJURE OUR FOOT , GETTING THE RIGHT CARE MATTERS .
Who is at highest risk for foot and ankle injuries ?
Injuries suchasankle sprains , ankle strains , mid-footinjuries and Achillestendon injuriesare mostcommoninathletes . Thisincludes children , adolescents and young adults who engage in competitive sports , along with recreationalathletes of any age . In addition , older people are at risk for arthritic or degenerative conditionsthat have progressed over time in the foot or ankle .
When should someone see adoctor for afoot or ankle injury ?
When patients experience anytype of acute foot or ankle injury — orwhen they experienceany pain or swelling — they shouldsee an expertwho can helpthemrelievethe pain and getbacktofull function . The sooner youget adiagnosisand learn your options , the faster we canhelp .
Does seeing an orthopedist mean you will need surgery ?
No . We alwaysstart with conservative treatments , which may includerest , physical therapy or aspecial shoe ( orthotics ), acast or asplint dependingupon your injury or condition . We also give patients tips on how to preventfuture injuries .
How common is arthritis in the foot and ankle ?
While it ’ s more common in thehip and kneejoints , arthritis can occurinthe foot andankle . Mostoften it ’ s happens withpeople who suffered afoot or ankle fracturewhen they were younger . Insevere cases , foot or ankle arthritis will cause painwithevery step .
What options are there for people with severe ankle arthritis ?
In the past , peoplewith severe ankle arthritishad only two options : live with thepain or get fusion surgery . The problem with fusion surgery is that fused ankles can ’ tmove . That addsstress to thenearby bones , which then may alsodevelop arthritis . But athird option — totalankle replacement — isemergingasanalternative . The implants have improved greatly over the past 20 years , with90 % of ankleimplants lasting 10 years . That ’ sjust alittle less thantotal hiporkneereplacement implants , which aremuchmore common .
Our expert orthopedic specialists can help you recover from foot and ankle injuries . Visit atlantichealth . org / ortho for more information .
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