June 2023

Ankle sprains generally happen due to over-stretched ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The ligaments connect the bones and joints to each other and provide stability and balance to the body. Common causes of ankle sprains can consist of suddenly twisting the ankle from unexpectedly stepping off a curb or walking on uneven surfaces. Existing foot injuries may also lead to a sprained ankle, or it may happen to patients born with weak ankles. People can experience symptoms such as swelling and bruising, and walking can be difficult. A diagnosis is often performed that can rule out a broken ankle. Once the sprained ankle is confirmed, treatment can begin. This generally consists of refraining from bearing weight on it for several weeks, in addition to wearing an elastic wrap that can provide stability. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment method.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Irving, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Some people have jobs that require standing and lifting most of the day. The feet can be affected and it is generally stressed by employers and safety leaders in the workplace that appropriate shoes are worn. This may help to prevent severe foot conditions from developing, in addition to hurting other areas of the body. Standing on anti-fatigue mats, also known as stress mats, is known to help absorb the shock from standing on hard surfaces. Despite this, employees tend to trip on these mats if they are not flat on the ground which may lead to additional injuries. It is helpful to wear work shoes that have traction on the soles to help prevent injuries from existing later. In most union jobs, taking breaks is mandatory to allow ample time to rest the body and feet. If you would like more information about how wearing the right shoes while working can protect the feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful information.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Irving, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you have ever broken your ankle, you know how it can interfere with daily function and put a halt to many activities. It is crucial to promptly see a podiatrist who can evaluate the severity of the break and provide a treatment plan for recovery. Included in the recovery, at some point, will likely be movements that are designed to improve the strength, flexibility, and stability of the ankle. Once your cast or brace is removed, you may benefit from practicing several range of motion exercises. Simple movements, such as pointing the toes up and down and inward and outward, improve the ankle joint's motion. Flexibility exercises are for helping improve the muscular flexibility of the ankle. They include towel calf stretches and standing runner stretches. Strengthening exercises are for increasing the strength in an ankle that is weak from the fracture and immobilization. Resistance bands can be used to help perform these movements more comfortably. If you have a broken ankle, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can provide a plan for proper healing that will get you back to your normal functioning as quickly as possible and help future problems from the break down the road.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Irving, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.