Treatment Options for Ankle Sprains from Alameda Orthopedic Surgeon - Health - Wellness

The ligament most commonly torn by ankle sprains is called the anterior talo-fibular ligament, or ATFL for short, and usually results in difficulty in walking due to pain and swelling. Thus, patients may often need crutches to get around. The pain and swelling can last for as long as three days. If the injury is serious enough, your Alameda area orthopedic surgeon may recommend that you wear a temporary air splint or cast-boot.

The majority of ankle sprains will heal over time if they are protected. The complete process of healing could take up to six weeks. Your doctor might recommend that you start exercising light movements early in the healing process to keep the ankle from getting stiff. These movements can help you with identifying proper position, location, and orientation of the joint, also known as proprioception. It is not impossible for a total tear of the ligament to repair itself without the need for surgery as long as it is properly immobilized. Even a chronic tear within the ankle joint can eventually return to normal functionality if the overlying tendons are capable of providing support.

If you are suffering from a minor grade sprain, remember to use the R.I.C.E method:

Rest the ankle. Do not walk on it.

Ice the joint immediately after the injury occurs. This will help to minimize the swelling and should be applies in 20 minute intervals, three to four times each day. Applying ice in conjunction with a lightly pressurized wrap will additionally quell swelling.Compress the joint lightly using bandages or wraps that support and immobilize the injury.

Elevate the ankle joint for 48 hours at a level above your heart.The RICE method should be used for medium grade sprains also. You will just need to allow for more healing time. Your physician might employ a device for immobilizing the ankle such as a splint.The most serious sprains can lead to permanent instability and in rare cases surgery may be required. A small cast or brace for the leg may be needed for up to three weeks.

Proper rehabilitation is necessary alleviate pain and swelling as well as to avoid chronic ankle problems. Electrical stimulation and ultrasound can be administered to help with these issues, too. Initially, your rehabilitation exercises might include limited movements over the range of the joint with no resistance applied. Light exercises in the pool can also be beneficial in cases where exercises like as toe-raising are too uncomfortable. As a patients tolerance increases, exercises of the lower extremities can be incorporated. It is important to integrate proprioception training since poor propriception can often lead to another sprain and chronic instability in the ankle joint. As soon as the pain is gone, exercises like agility drills can be performed. The objective is to improve the strength and the range of motion over time as you gain stability.

There are three main phases of recovery that all ankle sprains pass through:

Phase 1 Rest. Protect your ankle. Reduce the swelling over the course of one week.

Phase 2 Restore your range of motion, strength and flexibility over the course of the next two weeks.

Phase 3 Gradually return to those activities that dont necessitate turning or twisting of the ankle. Do your maintenance exercises. Eventually you will be able to participate in activities that demand sharp, abrupt turns and cuts like tennis, basketball or football.

Medication

Pain and inflammation can be controlled by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) depending on your doctors evaluation.

Long-term outcome

Failure to recognize and properly treat an ankle sprain may result in issues of chronic pain and instability.

Surgery

In rare cases, surgical treatment for ankle sprains may be required. Only those injuries that fail to respond to nonsurgical treatment first should be considered for surgery. Orthopedic surgery may also be reserved for patients experiencing persistent instability after months of rehabilitation and non-surgical treatment.

Surgical options include arthroscopy and reconstruction. In arthroscopy, the orthopedic surgeon will look into the interior of the joint to determine whether or not there are any loose bone fragments, dislodged cartilage, or part of the ligament caught in the joint. Reconstruction will require the surgeon to repair the torn ligament with stitches or a suture. Other ligaments and/or tendons found in the foot and around the ankle can be used to repair the damaged ligaments. Be sure to contact my office for more specific information regarding the limitations of physical activity after recovering fully from an ankle sprain.

Committed to getting you back in the game,Dr. K

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All you needed to know about Ankle Sprain - Health

Ankle sprain occur ever so often in our daily lives at times that we least expect them to. They occur when ankle, foot or legs ligaments tear or stretch. The most common type of sprain is the inversion ankle sprain. This occurs when the ankle pushes outwards and with the leg in the opposite direction. Ligaments on the outer part of the ankle hence tear. Eversion on the other hand occurs in the opposite direction; when the ankle pushes inwards hence damaging the inner ligaments by stretching them from their usual self. At other times, the ankle may be sprained at its upper end. It occurs when the upper ligaments are injured. Mostly, it occurs when the leg has been twisted or forced up at a very high speed. This kind of a sprain is more serious and will usually take a longer time to heal.

Ankle sprain will usually be indicated by an inflammation. Inflammation or swelling occurs if the inner blood vessels start leaking hence releases their fluid on the surrounding tissue. As a result, there level of the white blood cells increase in the area thereby increasing the rate of blood flow. Other than swelling, the injured person experiences a lot of pain at the joint. This pain is caused by the nerves will have become more sensitive. At times, the color of the skin may change and generate a lot of heat due to the increase of blood flow in the tissue.

Usually, first aid care has to be administered. Some of the ankle sprains will only require first aid treatment to get better like in the case of inversion and eversion sprains. If serious, one should seek specialized medical attention as soon as possible. To know if the sprain is serious or not, a few things have to be looked in to: If after using all alternatives methods of pain relievers like ice the pain still continues, see a doctor. The same will apply if one can't be able to walk properly due to pain or, when the ankle's condition doesn't improve days later. Other signs that will tell that the sprain is serious is if the ankle swells excessively, you stop having sense of the lower foot or if the area becomes very red and hot.

Serious ankle sprain is treated by applying a brace on the area or administering the use of crutches. One may also be asked to use medications that will reduce pain and inflammation. Narcotics and acetaminophens are also used as alternatives for treatment. To prevent the condition from ever befalling you, frequently exercise your lower leg to remain flexible and strong. Also, put on proper and comfortable shoes to give support. When indulging in sports, its best that you have the ankles taped to give them more support. Ankle braces can also be worn in place of tapes.

Finally, ensure that you walk and play in safe environments that are free of obstacles like stones or holes. If all of these guidelines, one will be able to live a danger free and healthy life.

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Summertime Brings Outdoor Activities and Increased Risk of Foot and Ankle Injuries - Health - Alternative Medicine

With winter gone and beautiful sunny days ahead, most people who live in North Carolina find that getting outdoors and enjoying the weather is much anticipated. Activities may include walking, jogging, hiking, boating, softball or golfing. Unfortunately, this time of year also brings foot and ankle injuries. With the additional pressure placed on the lower extremities, many people suffer injuries from overuse. These problems can spoil weeks of summer fun. To prevent this, orthopedic foot & ankle specialists in NC should be seen as soon as symptoms arise. This can prevent the condition from worsening and with proper treatment, recovery can be faster for not missing any of those fun, outdoor activities. Certain types of injuries do tend to occur more often during the warm and sunny days when everyone is outdoors enjoying their favorite sport or activity. Common sports injuries include tendonitis, sprains, neuromas, stress fractures and plantar fasciitis.

TendonitisTendonitis often affects individuals who participate in outdoor activities during the weekends or those who are just beginning a new activity. This condition causes pain and swelling of the foot, ankle and sometimes the Achilles tendon. Because tendonitis can be difficult to treat, the sooner orthopedic foot & ankle specialists in NC treats it, the better the chance for faster recovery.

Ankle SprainsAnkle sprains are a common injury among athletes who must move side-to-side or who play on uneven surfaces or in confined areas. These types of injuries occur when ligaments located around the ankle become over-stretched or tear. Treatment often includes resting the ankle, rehabilitation and exercises to strengthen the injured area. For severe tears, surgery may be required.

NeuromasNeuromas are nerves that have become pinched, often due to poor-fitting shoes. This condition can cause severe numbness of the toes and pain. Pain usually starts out gradual with cramping or burning and tingling. These symptoms may present themselves after walking or standing for extended periods. When walking, it may feel as if you are stepping on a cord. Treatment may include medication, shoe adjustments, ultrasound and orthotics.

Stress FracturesStress fractures occur from overusing the feet and ankles, poor-fitting shoes and excessive pressure from hard surfaces. Stress fracture symptoms include pain and swelling. These types of injuries should be treated immediately by an orthopedic specialist to prevent complications.

Plantar FasciitisPlantar fasciitis is a common injury among runners and joggers. This sports injury occurs when the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. It is also called heel-spur syndrome.

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CANADAS FIRST LASER TREATMENT - Business

VANCOUVER, July 8 /CNW/ - Canadian Laser and Pain Therapy (CLPT) Canada'sfirst low intensity laser therapy (LILT) pain and smoking cessation solutionclinic, today announced that their has now expanded toVancouver.

To introduce the Solution to the Vancouver market, CLPT ischallenging media outlets to provide two smokers to complete the program andbreak free of smoking. Treatment for these smokers will be offered free ofcharge.

The Brice Laser Clinic located near Vancouver's Oakridge Mall, is one ofthe first Canadian licensees to offer the , with many morelocations set to open across the country.

Using a painless laser light, the QUICK STOP SOLUTION stimulatesacupuncture points on the ear, hand and knee to eliminate nicotine cravings inchronic smokers and help reset their metabolism to minimize the unpleasantsymptoms of withdrawal. Low intensity laser (LILT) treatment is FDA approvedin the United States to treat a variety of chronic pain conditions includingosteoarthritis, lower back pain (caused by inflammation), rotator cuffinjuries, plantar fasciitis etc. The program is conducted under strict FDAguidelines and CLPT reports patient results on a monthly basis.

"Thousands of Canadians will struggle to quit smoking this summer. We canmake it significantly easier by offering a painless, effective and proventechnology to curb smoking cravings," said Dr. Paul Ziemer, President and CEOof Canadian Laser and Pain Therapy. "We've seen consistent success rates of85-95 percent and many patients require only 2 SOLUTION sessions tobreak free of their habit, regardless of how many years they have been lightor chronic smokers."

The (TM) is offered at a cost of $395.

About Canadian Laser and Pain Therapy (CLPT)

CLPT is Canada first low intensity laser therapy (LILT) pain andsmoking cessation solution clinic. With two corporate and two licenseelocations in Ontario and a recently opened clinic in Vancouver, CLPT israpidly expanding across the country. CLPT created and licenses both the QuickStop Solution(TM) for smoking cessation and the Accelerated HealingProgram(TM) for rapid healing of joint and muscle pain. If youre experiencing pain or health challenges, youve come to the right place. We act as your partner to develop a personalized pain management plan to accelerate the healing of your pain. Using our comprehensive approach, and the latest most effective technology, our goal is to ensure that you enjoy a life without limits free from muscle pain. We have many pain management clinics located across Ontario that can serve your needs.We developed a unique step-by-step process called The Accelerated Healing Program to help you achieve your health goals as quickly as possibly. We take the time to fully investigate the source of your pain, and appreciate how it has affected the quality of your life. We care enough to prescribe a customized pain therapy solution that accounts for your lifestyle, health goals, and availability for treatment.These are only some of the injuries and pain conditions that we have experience treating. To find out more click on each condition. Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) , Osteoarthritis, Plantar Fasciitis, Shoulder Pain & Rotator Cuff Injury, Sprains & Strains, Sciatica, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Wound Healing, Tennis & Golfers Elbow, Neck Pain & Upper Back Pain, Knee & Ankle Pain, Diabetic Ulcers, Heel & Achilles Pain, Radiculopathy, Headaches & Migraine Headaches, Quit Smoking.Get the best pain management solution and begin living without pain and debility.

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Prevent Sprains and Strains-Health and Fitness - Health - Wellness

Sprains and strains are two types of soft tissue injuries. Bias common injuries that usually leads to the rupture of ligaments and joint capsule. Strain of muscle damage or tendon. First aid includes rest, ice, compression bandage and elevation (Figure). A physical therapist can provide additional treatment, including physical exercise and physical therapy.soft tissue injury may be sudden (acute) or deteriorate gradually (chronic). They can take anywhere from two to 12 weeks to heal, depending on the treatment of wounds, the initial and ongoing, and the age and general health.The reasonSoft tissue of the bundle. Muscles and tendons contain specialized cells that control the degree of compression and elasticity. With general use, muscles and tendons to withstand the excessive soft for the use of acronyms. However, the sudden turns or vibration may be applied more force than the tissue can structurally withstand. Fibers overstretch beyond their capacity and tear. Hemorrhage from rupture of blood vessels leads to swelling.Injuries to soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons can occur suddenly or gradually worsen. Sudden injury associated with a specific incident and is often called an acute soft tissue injuries. This means that it happened in the past 24 to 72 hours. The wound that worsens over time (eg three months), often referred to as chronic soft tissue injuries. They are usually associated with excessive stress or changes in normal tissue.DistortionJoints are held together and supported by tough bands of connective tissue called ligaments. The entire joint is surrounded by a membrane filled with synovial fluid lubricant, which helps to nourish the joint and provide extra cushioning shocks. Bias common injuries that usually leads to small tears (micro-trauma), ligaments and joint capsule. common space for expansion are the ankle, thumb and wrist.StrainMuscles are attached to joints with connective tissue called tendons. Damage to these te ndons or muscles themselves is called strain. common sites for strains include the groin and hamstring calf.SymptomsSigns of tension or strain may include:

* Pain * Swelling * Stiffness * Reducing the effectiveness of the function.Severityacute soft tissue injuries are classified according to their severity and include:* I degree - some fibers are torn and the site is moderately painful and swollen, but the functions and powers largely intact.Grade II * - lots of fiber rupture and the site is painful and swollen, with some loss of functionality and durability.* III degree - the soft tissue is completely torn, with considerable loss of function and strength. Grade III injuries often need surgical intervention.First aidSuggestions for immediate treatment of acute distortions or strains:

* Stop the activity. * Rest the injured area. * Use icepacks every two hours, asked for 15 minutes and is separated from the skin with a damp sponge. * Compress or bandage the wounded site firmly, extending the packing from the bottom up. * Raise (raise) the injured area above the heart when the height of the practical. * Avoid exercise, heat, alcohol and massage, which can increase swelling.If symptoms worsen during the first 24 hours, consult your doctor for further medical research.Chronic woundsChronic injuries develop slowly over time and tends to evil, even when at rest. Using common triggers more pain. The most common cause of chronic soft tissue injuries is excessive. factors contributing to overuse injuries include poor technique, structural abnormalities and exercise too frequently without sufficient recovery breaks.Some people, such as athletes or sports enthusiasts who regularly suffer from chronic recurring injuries. This may be caused by loose ligaments, inf lexible scar tissue from previous injuries and muscle imbalance. These types of recurrent lesions is often in the workplace, where people perform repetitive tasks.TreatmentMost soft tissue injuries take several weeks to heal, depending on the severity of sprain or strain and the general state of health. It is important to get proper treatment as soon as possible after the accident, to help recover quickly. Consult your doctor or physiotherapist immediately if function is impaired or if the pain and swelling does not subside after a couple of days.Treatment options may include:

* Exercises physical therapy to promote healing, strength and flexibility * Technical manuals, such as mobilization and massage * Electrotherapy * Pain medications * Gradually introduce the activity to normal levels.Severe injuries where the tissue is completely destroyed, you may need an operation to attach the pieces together. Grade III lesions surgically require significant physical therapy to regain strength and function. Short period of immobilization may help the healing process of injuries such as Class II.

Things to remember

* The type of distortion of the total injuries, which usually involves breaking ligaments and capsule. * Deformation of muscle damage or tendon. * Immediate treatment includes rest, ice tiles, compression (bandage) and elevation (Figure). * Treatment and ongoing supervision to return to work or sport can be performed by a physiotherapist.

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The Basics of Applying Ice Therapy to Strains and Sprains - Health

The use of ice as first-aid for muscle pulls and sprains is standard and ice therapy can be applied to the treatment of chronic injuries as well. Also called cryotherapy, promptly applying ice after a strain or sprain helps to ease swelling and pain thus speeding healing and preventing further damage to soft tissues

The first 24 to 48 hours after a musculoskeletal injury occurs is the acute stage. Use ice on soft tissue injuries during this period and then. Many people use a plastic bag of crushed ice or even frozen peas on injuries quite often as it is a common household remedy for minor bumps, muscular pain, and other minor injuries. When using ice to treat soft tissue injuries, however, it is important to use the correct method.

How to Use Ice Application on Strains and Sprains

A bag of ice water that is covered in towel is the best thing to use. Ice alone is not cold enough and commercial ice packs are not always consistent, either being too cold or not cold enough. Ice packs can be used in field first aid kits, however, and should be considered a good alternative for when ice is not available. A bag of frozen peas, as mentioned, can be better than nothing but using ice water is the best way to rapidly lower soft tissue temperature.

The cold packs used for sports injuries are not to be confused with the commercial ice packs that we use in coolers to keep our food cold. These are too cold to be used on injuries and they could harm the skin and nerves.

The goal of ice therapy is to lower the muscle or joint temperature and to maintain this reduced temperature during the initial recovery phase of an acute injury. For best results use a time period of approximately ten minutes. Longer time frames may damage the skin and induce pain in the muscles and making them go into spasm, which is not conducive to healing. So icing too long at once will further injure the tissues. 50 degrees Fahrenheit (ten degrees Celsius) is the target temperature.

The use of short repeated ice treatments permit the muscle temperature to stay low while the skin temperature returns to normal between applications. Direct ice application is not advised for maintaining sustained cooling of muscle tissues since there can be a reflexive heating of the tissues. Still, ice is the best option if a prompt return to play is desired as during competitive sports.

Ice application can sometimes affect reflex and coordination. Spraining your ankle and then icing it down may cause your ankle to be somewhat useless. In this case extra stability can be given by wrapping the joint in a compression bandage.

When possible after strain or sprain occurs stop training or moving at once and rest while applying ice for ten minute treatment periods. Let the skin temperature return to normal before repeating the ice treatment.

After the first 48 hours, discontinue using cryotherapy. After this initial period, prolonging the use of ice may suppress healing rather than hasten it. The use of heat on injuries should still be avoided, however, until at least 72 hours after the injury first occurs.

Please be aware that these tips are meant for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of a qualified medical professional.

Ice therapy can be dangerous if misused, causing frostbite that could result in tissue death and serious nerve damage.

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Know all about Chronic Ankle Instability - Health

Introduction Chronic Ankle Instability is a condition that causes inactivity and pain in the ankle. This condition can be described as ankle instability because it is basically loss of movement. In ankle instability condition your leg joints are incapable of two functions movement and balance of position. The ankle instability is generally caused by recurrent sprains that persist because the healing process of your injury is incomplete. Your leg muscles and nerves are connected and interrelated they stretch and fray due to unattended injuries.

Ankle Instability leads to discontinuance of various physical activities like walking, running, standing and playing of any sport. This disability is very serious because without the ability to walk - your life may come to a standstill. You may not be able to do the daily chores let alone the inability to earn a living.

Thanks to Foot specialists this condition can be treated with successful results. Chronic ankle instability is usually of temporary nature but it could turn into a disability of permanent or consistent nature, if proper care is not taken. It means that the disability can become chronic, if the foot condition deteriorates and results in further complications. Ankle instability is common in sports athletes but its occurrence is also noticed in the general public.

How does my leg function? We all know that we use legs to walk, run, and jump or for any kind of mobility. Just like there are sensory cells in our brains to propel an action like hand movement, there are sensory functions inside our leg that detect movement and understand balance.

How do I understand balance? - Proprioception The Proprioception function is responsible for the balancing act and it actually determines the position of your leg joints in space.

How do I determine sense of movement? - Kinesthesia The Kinesthesia function takes care of your leg joint movements. These two functions are interrelated /interdependent and they are associated with the Mechanoreceptors. The appropriate functioning of Mechanoreceptors is required for developing a synergy of the muscles and nerves to determine movement and balance. We can infer from the above, that the functioning of joints is a cohesive system and the disruption of any part of the system causes pain, sprain, and swelling. Now, if we ignore this pain, sprain, numbness and swelling in the ankle the instability further develops and turns into chronic instability. Hence it is absolutely necessary to pursue one of the suitable Non-surgical procedures to prevent further worsening of your leg mobility and balance functions. Avoidance of both internal and external injuries may lead to Chronic Ankle Instability.

Diagnosis Chronic Ankle disability may be diagnosed by the following common symptoms: 1.Swelling of the ankle 2.Acute pain, 3.An increase in the size of arch 4.Weakness and instability of the foot and ankle 5.Warmth to the touch

It can be understood that the above symptoms can be apparent to anyone, but a proper diagnosis must be done at the Podiatry clinic. Depending on the severity of the condition the foot doctor recommends one or more treatment options. The treatment options can be of surgical nature in very rare cases and mostly fall under the Non-surgical category. Thus the recovery period may vary accordingly.

Surgical Procedures Surgical procedures are considered in extreme cases when the disability is chronic or persistent. Before making the decision to opt for surgery, the Podiatrists implement all possible non-surgical procedures. The patients who go through surgery have torn ligaments that cause loosening of the ankle joints and complete malfunction of the leg movement activity.

Ankle joint instability can be determined by Physical Examination as well as X-ray Tests;

Physical examination The Podiatrist can determine ankle instability by a thorough comparison of the injured ankle with the healthy ankle. The difference in tightness of the ligaments suggests the level of ankle instability.

X-ray tests When physical examination is not enough to diagnose whether the ankle is instable or not, Foot doctors may recommend the patient to go for an X-ray test.

Non-Surgical Procedures Immobilization This procedure simply means keeping your bones stagnant/immobile. Stability of bones is required in the healing process of internal and external swelling. Foot doctors use splints or casts to hold the bones together while the natural healing happens. Splints and Casts can be custom-made/ready-made; the foot specialist decides whether to use a splint or a cast.

Medications Medication is used to reduce the pain and burning sensation due to leg injury. It works internally and naturally helps healing by keeping you calm.

Physical therapy Physical therapy is used to reduce the symptoms like pain and swelling. Post therapy the foot specialist suggests exercises that are necessary to regain the tissue strength.

Bracing Brace is a podiatric device that supports your leg joints and allows painless movement. Bracing is done when a patient cannot opt surgical treatment option either because it's unaffordable or useless.

Conclusion We should conclude that although finest treatments are available for the ankle instability disorder -- Prevention is always better than Cure. I would suggest a few common sense precautions to prevent this disorder -- 1.Always wear comfortable shoes. 2.If you are an adventure sports lover like a rock climber, please learn the adventure sport thoroughly before playing it. Needless to say, take all the safety measures. 3.Do not sit, stand and sleep in uncomfortable positions. Take extra space so you can sleep or sit comfortably. 4.Please climb up and down the building or any staircase carefully. Do not move in a reckless way anywhere. 5.Remember -- Accidents can be a result of a precaution not taken! 6.Most safety measures are common sense! 7.Always consult the doctor for any discomfort or minute pain in the leg. 8.Untreated Minor injuries can turn into Major disorders!

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