Ankle sprains occur when ligaments supporting the bones and joints of the ankle are stretched and/or torn. Most sprains are mild injuries and can easily be treated with rest and an ice pack.

Symptoms include swelling and heaviness in the ankle, painful movement of the ankle, difficulty in weight-bearing or walking, and feeling of weakness or ankle gives away easily.

Treatment includes rest, ice, and elevation; use of an analgesic gel or an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug as prescribed. Strapping and compression bandages may also be used for supporting the injured ligament. Some sprains may require a cast or splint and crutches. Very severe sprains may require surgical correction and tightening of the ligament. Improper or delayed treatment may to lead to recurring sprains.

Tendinitis is a condition where a tendon gets overused, resulting in inflammation and pain. Achilles tendinitis, or an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, is one of the most common causes of foot or ankle pain. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, redness and weakness.

Treatment includes:

• Resting the tendon or modifying activities that aggravate the condition

• Icing the painful area, several times a day

• Use of a strapping bandage to support the tendon

• Use of an analgesic gel or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to relieve pain

• Changing to an activity that does not stress the affected area e.g. Swimming instead of running, climbing or jumping

• Inserts(Orthotics) in the shoes under the heel and footwear with good support

• Stretching and strengthening exercises

• Physical therapy

• Walking boots

A fracture is a break in a bone. Simple fractures are single, clean breaks in a bone while compound fractures are complicated breaks. Fractures caused by accident or injury are called traumatic fractures. Stress fractures, sometimes called ‘march’ fractures are minute cracks in the bone caused by repeated micro trauma to the bone that stresses the same places in the bones over and over again. Fractures are more problematic in patients with osteoporosis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and numbness. More involved fractures cause inability to use the part of the body due to extreme discomfort.

Treatment for most fractures are a splint or a cast. Some fractures may need surgery to insert a screw or a plate to hold the bone together as it heals. Recovery may take several weeks to months depending on the complexity and location of the fracture.

Foot and ankle injuries are fairly common among those who participate in sports. Some sports may be considered more dangerous in terms of foot and ankle injuries compared to others, such as basketball, football, soccer, and dancing. Sports that require tightly worn shoes (skiing, hiking, climbing) also pose a higher injury risk. The feet are considered the foundation of the body. They help us balance and perform our everyday activities. That’s why you should seek professional help at the first sign or instinct that something is wrong with your feet or ankles.

Common contributors to sports-related foot and ankle injuries include lack of stretching or warming up first, incorrect footwear for the sport, and not taping or providing enough foot and ankle support. Foot conditions that may develop are Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures, just to list a few.