Offering advanced treatment options in Novi, Southfield, Howell, and Livonia, Foot HealthCare Associates provides comprehensive solutions to help patients recover, restore function, and return to the activities they enjoy.
The feet and ankles work together to provide support and mobility to the body. A foot or ankle sprain is a soft tissue injury. Most often, a sprain occurs when an injury pulls, stretches, or tears the ligaments that connect bone to bone. A fracture is a break in the bone.
Injuries are the most common cause of foot and ankle sprains and fractures. Many fractures and sprains occur during sports. Football players are particularly vulnerable to these problems. Basketball players are prone to ankle sprains, and runners may develop stress fractures of the ankle or foot. Gymnasts and dancers may also develop stress fractures.
Tripping or stumbling on uneven ground is another common cause of foot and ankle sprains and fractures.
Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking on the affected foot or ankle are the most common symptoms of a sprained or fractured foot or ankle.
If you’ve hurt your foot or ankle, it’s best to err on the side of caution. The acronym RICE can help you remember what to do:
Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in the care and treatment of the lower extremities. If you’ve injured your foot or ankle, see a podiatrist. He or she can determine the extent of the injury and develop a plan of care to get you back in the game (or back to your everyday life) as soon as possible.
Increased pain, swelling, bruising, redness, or difficulty walking after an injury are definite signs that it’s time to see a podiatrist.
A podiatrist will carefully examine your feet and ankles, taking a complete medical history. He or she will also order tests, including an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI, to determine the extent of your injury. If you have a fracture that’s clearly visible on X-ray, you may not need additional testing. Ultrasounds and MRIs are useful for finding soft tissue injuries (including torn ligaments) and stress fractures.
Treatment will depend on your injury. If you have a broken bone, your podiatrist may attempt to “reduce” the fracture, which means lining up the ends of the bones so they can heal properly. (You’ll be given a local anesthetic to numb the area first.) If the fracture is “unstable,” meaning that the ends of the bone do not stay in place after a reduction, surgery may be needed. Podiatrists can use metal plates and screws to fix broken bones.
Sprains are also treated with a period of immobilization. Depending on the extent of your sprain, you may be able to resume activity fairly quickly, or you may need to wear a soft cast or special “boot” and use crutches for several weeks.
Professional athletes may undergo surgery to repair torn ligaments.
Oral anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, can be used to decrease pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Warming up before physical activity can prevent ankle sprains and fractures. So can wearing proper shoes. Avoid running or walking on uneven surfaces. If you’re an athlete, talk to your podiatrist to determine which shoes are best for your sport and to determine tips for maintaining healthy feet. Athletic shoes should be replaced yearly; running shoes should be replaced every 300–400 miles or so.
People seek care for a variety of reasons, ranging from sudden injuries to persistent discomfort that interferes with daily activities. Whether related to sports, work, or everyday movement, treatment is recommended when foot and ankle conditions limit mobility or cause severe pain.
Typical candidates include:
The cost of foot and ankle injury treatment in Novi, Southfield, Howell, Livonia, and Farmington Hills ranges from $150 to $3,500, depending on the type and severity of the condition. Expenses can vary depending on the diagnostic testing, the complexity of treatment for foot and ankle problems, and whether surgical intervention is required. Some patients may also need follow-up visits or physical therapy, which can influence the overall cost of care.
You will receive a personalized quote during a consultation at Foot HealthCare Associates.
At our practice, patients receive dedicated care for a wide range of concerns, from sudden injuries to long-term health issues. Whether addressing the most common ankle injuries, managing painful ingrown toenails, or helping individuals find relief from persistent foot problems, our foot and ankle surgeons deliver precise and compassionate care. We also provide solutions for chronic conditions that require ongoing attention, ensuring patients have access to effective treatments designed to restore comfort and mobility.
