-- Rest the ankle by not walking on it -- Ice it to keep the swelling down -- Compressive bandages immobilize and support your injury -- Elevate the ankle above heart level for 48 hoursAccording to the AOFAS, severe sprain can often mask the symptoms of a broken ankle; every injury to the ankle should be examined by a physician. Symptoms of a broken ankle include:
-- Immediate and severe pain -- Swelling -- Bruising -- Tender to the touch -- Inability to put any weight on the injured foot -- Deformity, particularly if there is a dislocation as well as a fracturePrior to beginning any sports program, Amendola suggests children complete a pre-participation examination by an orthopaedic surgeon to assess any predisposing factors or a pre-existing injury. "If a deformity exists, children might need an adjustment in footwear, or if they have flat foot or cavus foot (high-arched foot), they may benefit from a shoe insert," says Amendola. In addition, "Listen to your child; if he or she starts complaining about pain, an assessment needs to be made to make certain a significant problem does not exist," suggests Amendola. The AOFAS website, www.aofas.org, contains resources on dealing with injuries ranging from stress fractures, ankle fractures, heel pain, foot pain, and athlete's foot. It also offers ankle sprain rehabilitation techniques which includes strengthening and stretching exercises and "how to" techniques such as how to tape a toe, how to tape an ankle, and how to get back into shape after an injury. The site also features a surgeon referral service, making it easy for parents to find a local orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle care. About the AOFAS and Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons The AOFAS promotes quality, ethical and cost-effective patient care through education, research and training of orthopaedic surgeons and other health care providers. It creates public awareness for the prevention and treatment of foot and ankle disorders, provides leadership, and serves as a resource for government, industry and the national and international health care community. Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who specialize in the diagnosis, care, and treatment of patients with disorders of the musculoskeletal system of the foot and ankle. This includes the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles tendons, nerves, and skin. Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons use medical, physical, and rehabilitative methods as well as surgery to treat patients of all ages. They perform reconstructive procedures, treat sports injuries, and manage and treat trauma of the foot and ankle. Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons work with physicians of many other specialties, including internal medicine, pediatrics, vascular surgery, endocrinology, radiology, anesthesiology, and others. Medical school curriculum and post-graduate training provides the solid clinical background necessary to recognize medical problems, admit patients to a hospital when necessary, and contribute significantly to the coordination of care appropriate for each patient.
Contact Information: CONTACT: Peggy Reilly (847-384-4379)