Ankle and foot injuries are painful and scary — and can cause permanent problems if left untreated. From his office in the Queens, New York, neighborhood of Flushing, experienced podiatrist William Hansen, DPM, offers the very best in modern podiatric care for quick healing. With Dr. Hansen’s gentle touch and compassionate manner, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the most effective recovery plan. Book an appointment online or call the office to arrange a visit now.
What causes ankle and foot injuries?
Ankle and foot injuries often occur during sports activity or other types of exercise. Another common cause of foot and ankle injuries is trip-and-fall accidents that may happen with uneven flooring, unstable stairs, and wet surfaces.
Certain factors can increase your risk of ankle and foot injuries in general, including:
- Poorly fitted shoes
- Lack of protective sports gear
- Failure to warm up before activity
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Osteoarthritis
- Obesity
It’s very important to seek a diagnosis and care as soon as you notice symptoms of a potential ankle or foot injury.
What are the symptoms of ankle and foot injuries?
Although each ankle or foot injury can be unique depending on the type, location, and level of damage, there are a few telltale signs of trouble, including:
- Pain
- Pins-and-needles sensation
- Burning
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Skin redness
- Open wound
- Warm skin
- Appearance change
- Weakness
- Inability to bear weight
If you’re having at least one of these symptoms after a foot or ankle injury, reach out to William Hansen, DPM, as soon as you can.
How are ankle and foot injuries diagnosed?
Dr. Hansen gently examines your foot and ankle while reviewing the circumstances surrounding your injury. He can usually form a preliminary diagnosis through the exam and uses advanced office equipment, including X-rays and ultrasound, to verify or clarify his findings.
How are ankle and foot injuries treated?
Dr. Hansen offers all-encompassing injury care, from the most conservative solutions to the most advanced surgery. Some of his treatment options include:
Conservative treatments
Conservative treatments can include custom orthotics, splinting, lace-up ankle support, Form Fit® posterior night splint, medication, ice packs, physical therapy exercises, and rest along with other noninvasive approaches.
Advanced nonsurgical treatments
For ankle and foot injuries that don’t respond to conservative treatments, Dr. Hansen might recommend other solutions like injections. Corticosteroid injections can help to reduce inflammation and pain but aren’t a cure.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment using the CASCADE® Autologous Platelet System is another advanced treatment option. This treatment extracts powerful regenerating platelets from a small amount of your blood. When Dr. Hansen injects the PRP into your foot or ankle, it triggers a cascade of rapid healing benefits for a lasting solution.
Surgical treatments
In some cases, surgery is the best way to repair or stabilize the injured bones, ligaments, tendons, or other tissues in your foot or ankle. When possible, Dr. Hansen uses minimally invasive techniques like foot or ankle arthroscopy to perform surgical repairs. He’s also an expert in external fixation with the Ilizarov device, which allows for injury repair with immediate weight-bearing after surgery.
Dr. Hansen uses a variety of techniques to help you heal from foot and ankle injuries. Book your appointment online or call William Hansen, DPM, for help today.