Foot Trauma & Injuries

Foot injuries can vary from mild, to moderate and even severe but all can cause a certain amount of discomfort, pain and inability to walk normally. We start by taking a very thorough history of the injury. It is important to know how and when the trauma occurred. Following the history of the trauma, the patient will be examined. In most cases the podiatrist will take Xrays of the foot to rule out fracture and dislocations. It is important to stabilize the trauma and refer to the Emergency Room or even schedule for surgery if necessary.

Closed fractures, severe foot and ankle sprains, like Lisfranc injury usually causes the patient to suffer with intense pain, swelling, bruising and inability to walk normally. These can happen after stepping off a curb, in a car accident, or a slip and fall. If there is no fracture or dislocation seen on Xray an MRI may be ordered to further access soft tissue damage. MRI is more specific and sensitive for tears, ruptures to ligaments and tendons. In cases of a rupture of the major Posterior Tibial tendon, located on inside of foot and ankle, the foot and arch begins to flatten with increased pain.

Lacerations, or deep cuts need to be assessed quickly and carefully. It is important to know the status of Tetanus immunization and how long the wound has been open. If it is superficial and non-infected, the doctors may opt to stitch it closed in the office and prescribe wound healing instructions. In cases where it is deeper, infected or exposing tendon, ligament or bone, the patient may need to be taken to the operating room to have the wound properly treated under sterile conditions. Often times contusions of bone happen after injury and trauma. These are bone bruises that can also take several weeks to heal.

Some other common mild to moderate injuries like blisters and foreign bodies can also be evaluated and treated by our podiatrists. These may seem minor but can cause major discomfort and become deep and infected. In some patients with poor circulation or diabetes, these infections can become limb threatening. Removal of foreign body are routinely performed in the office under local anesthesia to the area.

At our office, Xrays and Ultrasound can be taken in office. Depending on the diagnosis, an individualized and customized treatment plan will be prescribed for the patient. Cam walker boots, ankle braces, air casts are all available in the office to be dispensed immediately. Wound healing and post-operative kits are also readily available to be dispensed for patients that are in need.