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Foot and Ankle Injuries—When to seek medical attention

Posted at 9:14 AM, Sep 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-15 11:14:59-04

Whether you’re taking a walk or running a mile, injuries to the feet and ankles are quite common. Some injuries are unavoidable, but there are a few preventive measures you can take to decrease your risk of sustaining an injury.

Injury Prevention Tips

  • Choose the right athletic shoe for your foot type
  • Properly warm up before any workout
  • Avoid running on uneven surfaces
  • Condition your muscles
  • Listen to your body

Common Types of Foot and Ankle Injuries

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Ankle sprain and strain
  • Stress fractures
  • Fractures

Treatment Options

Treatment largely depends on the type and severity of the injury. However, for mild sprains and strains, there are a few treatment options that might be effective.

  • RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
  • Gentle exercise and stretches if pain and swelling subside
  • Consider orthopedic shoe devices
  • Switch to supportive footwear

When to see your doctor

  • Numbness or tingling in the foot and/or ankle
  • Signs of infection
  • Symptoms do not improve with home treatment
  • Symptoms become more severe