Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
in Novi, Southfield, Howell, Livonia

Foot and ankle injuries can disrupt daily life, whether they result from sports, work activities, or simply missteps that lead to pain, swelling, or limited mobility. Patients often struggle with difficulty walking, recurring sprains, or lingering discomfort that doesn’t resolve on its own. Without proper care, even minor injuries can develop into long-term issues that affect overall stability and quality of life.

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.

Table Of Contents

What Is a Foot or Ankle Sprain or Fracture?

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.

Causes of Foot Sprains & Fractures

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.

Common Symptoms

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.

Home Care

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:

Rest—Rest the affected area. Stay off the injured foot or ankle until it can be fully evaluated and treated. Walking, running, or playing sports on an injured foot or ankle may make the injury worse.
Ice—Apply ice to the affected area as soon as possible, and reapply it for 15–20 minutes every three or four hours for the first 48 hours after injury. Ice can decrease inflammation.

When to Visit a
Podiatrist

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.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Foot & Ankle Injuries

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.

Broken Bones

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.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are treated with rest and immobilization. You will be instructed to stay off the affected area until healing is complete. Crutches and/or a special “boot” or cast may be used to immobilize the area.

Sprains

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.

Prevention of Foot &
Ankle Injuries

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.

Candidates for Foot & Ankle Pain Treatment

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:

Benefits of Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment

Timely treatment supports healing, restores stability, and helps patients return to their regular routines without unnecessary setbacks. From addressing acute trauma to managing common injuries, professional care ensures that both immediate and long-term needs are met.

Reduced swelling and inflammation
Improved mobility and stability
Proper healing of fractured ankle joints
Relief from persistent foot pain
Lower risk of reinjury
Faster return to daily activities
Prevention of long-term complications
Personalized recovery plans

Cost of Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment in Michigan

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.

Experience Premier Foot & Ankle Care at Our Practice

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.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment in Novi, Southfield, Howell, Livonia