Foot and ankle injuries are, unfortunately, incredibly common. In fact, thanks to quick movements, improper footwear, and rough terrain, among other factors, just about everyone who is active is prone to having them occur at one point or another.
Over the years, foot and ankle injuries have impacted many star athletes, including members of the Buffalo Bills, and the Mets and Yankees in New York. Celebrities including Rumer Willis, Reese Witherspoon, Madonna, and more have all gone through similar injuries, and, in November, it was announced that Sen. John McCain had received medical treatment for a minor tear to his right Achilles tendon.
Of course, “average Joes and Janes” deal with these ailments, too, and you might be one of them. So, what should you do if you end up in the same boat as these well-known figures? First, don’t panic. The road to recovery might seem bleak, but you have a team of professionals who are ready to get you back on your feet. As opposed to what some patients experienced in past decades, a foot or ankle injury does not mean that an individual will be out of commission or unable to get back to beloved activities. Next, be open to the idea of surgeries and treatments that you don’t expect. What worked for your favorite athlete, best friend, co-worker, or coach 30 years ago might not be the right approach for your current situation.
I frequently work with patients who have tears, ruptures, neuromas, and more. While all of these injuries occur in the lower half of the body, they are all unique. An Achilles injury, for example, is much more complex than an ankle sprain, which studies indicate is so common there are an estimated 2 million cases per year. Thankfully, treatments exist to repair everything from the most elaborate tendon tear to a common ankle roll, and my patients can receive individualized care that is customized to combat a person’s needs.
In my office, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to treat injuries. While rest, ice, compression, and elevation is often the go-to strategy for initial care, tech innovations have greatly increased our options. In recent years, regenerative therapies, including extracorpeal shock wave therapy, laser therapy, platelet rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate, and adipose stem cells, have emerged as techniques to help both heal and alleviate pain. While these methods are sometimes used alone, they can also be coupled with more traditional surgeries, like arthroscopies, fusions, or ankle replacements. A range of treatments also exist for cartilage injuries.
And no matter how you received your injury, how severe it may be, or how you rank compared to more famous foot and ankle patients, you’ll be treated with top-of-the-line care from my team. If you have questions about how to approach an injury that you are experiencing, don’t hesitate to call or set up an appointment to discuss your options.