Ankle Injury Treatment

Premier Ankle Injury Treatment in Huntington Beach, CA

ankle-pain-doctorEach day, over 25,000 people will sprain their ankle in the United States. It is the most common sports injury for athletes. Most ankle sprains will heal on their own with some rest. However, if you are an athlete, just the thought of having to stay out of the action can be more excruciating than the pain. Being able to avoid an ankle sprain in the first place is a much better proposition if you want to keep active.

Ankle Injury Treatment

Within the ankle joint are ligaments holding together the:

  • Tibia
  • Fibula
  • Talus bones

The ligaments are responsible for keeping these three bones in place to allow your ankle to move properly. When one or more of the ligaments in your ankle have been overstretched or torn from it being twisted out of proper alignment, the result is an ankle sprain – and pain.

Seeking Premier Ankle Injury Treatment in Huntington Beach, CA

Most ankle sprains will heal on their own with some rest. If you have a severe sprain, you may need medical help to ensure your ankle heals properly. This is especially likely if a ligament has suffered a complete tear. If your ankle is extremely swollen, painful or discolored, you should immediately seek ankle injury treatment from a premier sports medicine doctor. Dr. Howard Marans has treated thousands of patients during the past 20 years in the Huntington Beach, CA area for injuries, including ankle sprains.

When treating a severe ankle sprain, Dr. Marans will recommend diagnostic tests, including X-rays to rule out a fracture. If no fractures are present, a conservative approach will be recommended

The RICE protocol is typically recommended:

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Compression
  • Elevation

Sports Medicine will be recommended to improve the strength of your ankle and maintain or regain complete range of motion.

When a ligament has been completely torn, arthroscopic surgery is recommended to repair the tear. Arthroscopy is preferable over traditional surgery because it can be performed on an outpatient basis and allows for a faster recovery with smaller incisions and less damage to surrounding tissue.

Preventing an Ankle Sprain

It’s possible to reduce your risk for ankle sprains. Dr. Marans may recommend:

  • Exercises that will focus on strengthening the muscles around your ankle joint
  • Make your ankle more flexible by doing a stretching routine regularly will help improve your ankle’s range of motion
  • Improve your balance by practicing standing or hopping on one foot will help you better control your body’s proprioception and avoid awkward ankle twistingTape or brace your ankle to help keep it stable, especially if you are prone to ankle sprains.

Premier Ankle Injury Treatment

Dr. Howard Marans is the premier sports doctor to see for ankle sprains and injuries. Orthopedic+ accepts most insurances. Injured patients requiring immediate attention are usually seen the same day of their call. Schedule your appointment today by calling 714.979.8981 – or – clicking the link below.

Premier Ankle Injury Treatment in Huntington Beach, CA

foot-pain-caThe ankle joint is a complex structure. It is where your lower leg bones, the tibia and fibula meet your foot’s talus bone. Ligaments keep the three bones in place and allow you to properly move your ankle. The muscles in your ankle are attached to its bones by tendons and aid in controlling both ankle and foot movement. With so many components in your ankle, quite a few things could go wrong.

Seeking Ankle Injury Treatment

You should seek always seek immediate ankle injury treatment from a doctor if you:

  • Have severe ankle pain and swelling
  • Are unable to put weight on your ankle
  • See a visible deformity
  • Have difficulty moving your ankle

Ankle Injuries That Require Treatment

  • Severe sprain – This injury involves the stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments from a sudden twisting or “rolling” of the ankle.
  • Torn tendons – Tears can occur in the Achilles tendon or other tendons from trauma, from overuse or from wearing high-heeled shoes.
  • Tendonitis – Inflammation can occur in the ankle’s tendons from injury or overuse.
  • Fractures – A fractured or “broken” ankle may involve one or more breaks to the fibula, tibia or talus bone in the area of the ankle.
  • Osteoarthritis – Overuse, prior injury or normal aging can cause the degeneration of the cartilage in the ankle, causing inflammation and pain.

Treating Ankle Injuries

Ankle injuries are very common, such as sprains or strains that happen by simply twisting your ankle while walking on uneven ground. Often most sprains or strains will heal on their own if you follow the RICE method of rest, ice, compression and elevation. However, if after a few days, you are still experiencing pain and swelling, it may be possible that you have suffered a more extensive injury that requires treatment.

The doctor may prescribe physical therapy to maintain your ankle’s range of motion and make it stronger. If you have experienced a non-complex fracture, the doctor may put a cast or splint on your ankle to provide support and protect it from further injury.

Severe ankle injuries may require surgery. Often, most repairs can be performed with arthroscopic surgery. However, when a severe fracture has occurred, surgery to perform an open reduction and internal fixation may be needed to stabilize your ankle.

Doctor for Premier Ankle Injury Treatment in Huntington Beach/h3>

Most ankle injuries are considered sports injuries, even if you are not an athlete. In Huntington Beach, CA, premier ankle injury treatment can be found at OCOrthopedic+ from Dr. Howard Marans. As a renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, Dr. Marans has treated numerous patients over the past two decades for ankle injuries. Call 714.979.8981 or click below to schedule your consultation with Dr. Marans of OCOrthopedic+.