Category: A

Ankle syndesmosis injury (high ankle sprain)

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - A, Ankle

An ankle syndesmosis injury, also known as a high ankle sprain, occurs when there is damage to the syndesmotic ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula bones in the lower leg. This type of injury is often caused by a twisting or rotational force on the ankle, such as a sudden change in direction or landing from a jump.

Symptoms of an ankle syndesmosis injury may include pain and swelling above the ankle joint, difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg, and a feeling of instability in the ankle joint. The pain may be more diffuse and spread out compared to a regular ankle sprain.

Treatment for an ankle syndesmosis injury may depend on the severity of the injury and the patient’s overall health. Mild to moderate injuries may be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE therapy), along with the use of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to help manage pain and reduce swelling.

In more severe cases of ankle syndesmosis injury, immobilisation in a cast or boot may be necessary to allow the ligaments to heal. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the ankle joint.

In very severe cases or cases that are not responsive to conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligaments. Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the injury and treatment methods used. It is important to seek prompt medical attention for an ankle syndesmosis injury to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle sprain

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - A, Ankle

An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, usually as a result of a sudden twisting or turning of the ankle. Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the ligament damage.

Symptoms of an ankle sprain may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle. In more severe cases, there may also be instability or a feeling of the ankle giving way.

Treatment for an ankle sprain may depend on the severity of the injury and the patient’s overall health. Mild to moderate sprains may be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE therapy), along with the use of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to help manage pain and reduce swelling.

In more severe cases of ankle sprains, physical therapy may be necessary to help improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the ankle joint. Surgery may also be necessary to repair or reconstruct damaged ligaments in the ankle joint, although this is relatively rare.

It is important to seek medical attention for an ankle sprain, especially if the pain is severe or the ankle is unstable, to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Prompt treatment can help reduce the risk of complications and promote healing of the affected ankle joint.

Ankle pain

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - A, Ankle

Ankle pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. Some common causes of ankle pain include:

Sprains and strains: Ankle sprains and strains are common injuries that occur when the ligaments or muscles in the ankle are stretched or torn. This can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle.
Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that can cause inflammation and pain in the joints, including the ankle joint. There are several types of arthritis that can affect the ankle, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Tendinitis: Tendinitis is a condition that occurs when the tendons that connect the muscles to the bones become inflamed. This can cause pain and swelling in the ankle joint, particularly with movement.
Fractures: Ankle fractures occur when one or more of the bones in the ankle joint are broken or cracked. This can cause severe pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle.
Nerve compression: Nerve compression or pinched nerves can cause pain and discomfort in the ankle, particularly when the ankle is moved or pressure is applied to the affected area.

Treatment for ankle pain may depend on the underlying cause of the pain and the patient’s overall health. Non-surgical treatment options may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE therapy), physical therapy to help improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the ankle joint, and the use of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to help manage pain and reduce swelling.

In more severe cases of ankle pain, surgery may be necessary to repair or reconstruct damaged structures in the ankle joint. It is important to consult with a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of ankle pain.

Ankle instability – Chronic

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - A, Ankle

Chronic ankle instability is a condition in which the ankle joint is frequently “giving way” or feels unstable. It is usually caused by a previous ankle sprain that did not fully heal or was not properly rehabilitated, resulting in persistent weakness and instability of the ankle joint.

Symptoms of chronic ankle instability may include recurrent ankle sprains, persistent pain or tenderness in the ankle joint, a feeling of “giving way” or instability of the ankle, and difficulty performing activities that require ankle stability, such as running or jumping.

Treatment for chronic ankle instability may depend on the severity of the condition and the patient’s overall health. Non-surgical treatment options may include physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and improve stability of the ankle joint, the use of ankle braces or supports to provide additional stability, and the use of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to help manage pain and reduce swelling.

In more severe cases of chronic ankle instability, surgery may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligaments or tendons in the ankle joint. Recovery from surgery may require a period of immobilisation, followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation to restore strength and range of motion to the affected ankle joint.

Preventing ankle sprains through appropriate training, strengthening exercises, and the use of proper footwear can also help prevent the development of chronic ankle instability.

Ankle impingement

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - A, Ankle

Ankle impingement, also known as anterior ankle impingement, is a condition in which there is pinching or compression of the soft tissue structures in the front of the ankle joint. This can cause pain and discomfort, particularly when flexing or extending the ankle joint.

Ankle impingement is often caused by repetitive stress or trauma to the ankle joint, such as from sports activities that involve jumping, running, or pivoting. It can also be caused by abnormal bony growths or bone spurs that develop in the ankle joint.

Symptoms of ankle impingement may include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the ankle joint. The pain may be worse during activity and may improve with rest.

Treatment for ankle impingement may depend on the severity of the condition and the patient’s overall health. Non-surgical treatment options may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE therapy), physical therapy to help improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the ankle joint, and the use of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to help manage pain and reduce swelling.

In more severe cases of ankle impingement, surgery may be necessary to remove the bony growths or spurs that are causing the compression of the soft tissue structures in the ankle joint. Recovery from surgery may require a period of immobilisation, followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation to restore strength and range of motion to the affected ankle joint.

Ankle fractures

Posted on March 7, 2023 by Steve - A, Ankle, Fractures

Ankle fractures are a common type of bone injury that occur when one or more of the bones in the ankle joint are broken or cracked. This type of injury is usually caused by a twisting or impact force on the ankle, such as from a fall or sports injury.

Symptoms of an ankle fracture may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle. In more severe cases, there may be visible deformity or a misalignment of the ankle joint.

Treatment for ankle fractures may depend on the severity and location of the fracture, as well as the patient’s overall health. Non-surgical treatment options may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE therapy), immobilisation of the ankle joint using a cast or brace, and the use of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to help manage pain and reduce swelling.

Surgical treatment for ankle fractures may be necessary in more severe cases, particularly if the bones are displaced or unstable. Surgery may involve the use of pins, screws, plates, or rods to stabilise the bones and promote healing. Recovery from ankle fracture surgery may require a period of immobilisation, followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation to restore strength and range of motion to the affected ankle joint.

Prompt treatment and rehabilitation are important in ankle fracture management to help prevent long-term complications, such as chronic pain, arthritis, or instability of the ankle joint.

Ankle arthritis

Posted on March 7, 2023 by Steve - A, Ankle, Rheumatology

Ankle arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the ankle joint, which is the joint that connects the leg to the foot. It is most commonly caused by wear and tear over time, as well as injury or trauma to the ankle joint.

Symptoms of ankle arthritis may include pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion in the ankle joint. Some people may also experience a grinding sensation or a popping sound when moving the ankle joint.

Treatment for ankle arthritis may depend on the severity of the condition and the patient’s overall health. Non-surgical treatment options may include rest, ice, physical therapy, and the use of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the joint. In some cases, the use of braces, orthotic devices or supportive shoes may be necessary to help reduce stress on the affected joint.

Surgical treatment for ankle arthritis may be necessary in more severe cases, particularly if non-surgical treatments have not been successful. Surgery may involve removing damaged tissue from the joint, fusing the affected bones together to provide greater stability and support, or replacing the damaged joint with an artificial joint. Recovery from surgery may require a period of immobilisation and rehabilitation to restore strength and function to the affected joint.

Angioleiomyoma of the foot

Posted on March 7, 2023 by Steve - A, Tumours

Angioleiomyoma of the foot is a rare, benign tumour that arises from the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels in the foot. It is usually slow-growing and can occur at any age, but is more common in middle-aged adults.

The symptoms of angioleiomyoma of the foot can include pain, swelling, and a visible lump or mass on the foot. The pain is usually described as dull and achy and may be worsened by pressure or touch.

Diagnosis of angioleiomyoma of the foot is usually made by physical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI, and a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of angioleiomyoma of the foot typically involves surgical removal of the tumour. This is usually done as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia. In some cases, radiation therapy may be used to treat the tumour, particularly if it cannot be completely removed by surgery.

Prognosis for angioleiomyoma of the foot is generally excellent, as the tumour is benign and does not usually recur after surgical removal. However, if left untreated, it can continue to grow and cause ongoing pain and discomfort.

Amputation prevention in diabetes

Posted on March 7, 2023 by Steve - A, Diabetes

Amputation is a serious complication of diabetes that can occur due to poor circulation, nerve damage, and foot ulcers that fail to heal. However, there are steps that people with diabetes can take to prevent amputation and maintain healthy feet.

Maintain good blood sugar control: High blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage and poor circulation, increasing the risk of foot problems. Keeping blood sugar levels within target range can help prevent these complications.
Check your feet daily: Check your feet every day for any signs of redness, swelling, or injury. If you notice any changes or concerns, see your healthcare provider.
Practice good foot hygiene: Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap. Dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, and apply lotion to keep the skin moisturised.
Wear appropriate footwear: Wear shoes that fit properly and provide good support. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or have pointed toes. Always wear socks or stockings to protect your feet.
Avoid going barefoot: Walking barefoot can increase the risk of injury and infection. Wear shoes or slippers both indoors and outdoors.
Quit smoking: Smoking can cause poor circulation and increase the risk of foot problems. Quitting smoking can improve circulation and decrease the risk of complications.
Get regular foot exams: Regular foot exams by a healthcare provider can help detect any problems early and prevent complications.
Treat foot problems promptly: If you notice any foot problems such as blisters, cuts, or infections, see your healthcare provider immediately. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and reduce the risk of amputation.

Adult consequences of paediatric foot disorders

Posted on March 7, 2023 by Steve - A, Musculoskeletal, Paediatrics

Paediatric foot disorders can have long-term consequences that persist into adulthood if left untreated or if not managed appropriately. Here are some of the potential adult consequences of paediatric foot disorders:

Persistent foot pain: Foot disorders such as flat feet, high arches, or misaligned toes can cause pain and discomfort that can persist into adulthood.
Arthritis: Certain foot conditions, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, can lead to the development of arthritis in adulthood.
Limited mobility: If a foot disorder is left untreated or not managed appropriately, it can result in limited mobility and difficulty with activities of daily living.
Balance and gait problems: Foot disorders can affect balance and gait, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries in adulthood.
Increased risk of foot and ankle injuries: Foot disorders can weaken the foot and ankle and increase the risk of injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures.
Skin and nail problems: Certain foot disorders, such as ingrown toenails or plantar warts, can persist into adulthood and cause chronic skin and nail problems.
Poor self-esteem: Foot disorders can be aesthetically unappealing and may cause self-consciousness and poor self-esteem in adulthood.

It is important to address paediatric foot disorders early and to ensure that they are appropriately managed to reduce the risk of long-term consequences in adulthood. Treatment options may include orthotics, physical therapy, surgery, or a combination of these approaches. Regular follow-up with a podiatrist or foot specialist can also help to identify and address any ongoing issues.