4 Misconceptions About Foot & Ankle Injuries

Your feet are complex structures, so oftentimes there’s more to an injury than meets the eye. This can be problematic, because some trainers and parents try to treat all injuries the same, with rest and ice, but that might not be effective. Today, we clear up four common misconceptions about foot and ankle injuries.

Common Foot Injury Misconceptions

Here’s a look at some misunderstandings about common foot and ankle ailments.

1. Pain Stems From An Acute Injury – Some people believe that ankle and foot injuries must be the result of an acute injury like a sprain or a fall, but sometimes injuries can occur due to overuse or a genetic condition. There doesn’t need to be a “moment of injury” for ankle or foot pain to set it. If you’re experiencing foot pain and don’t recall an acute point of injury, there’s still a chance of an underlying issue that should be looked at by a foot specialist.

2. Ice and Rest Are The Best Treatments – Ice and rest may be the most common treatment options, but they aren’t always the best. If you’re repeatedly spraining your ankles, rest and ice are great ways to help the ankle recover, but there may be an underlying condition like ankle instability that’s leaving you predisposed to sprains, and that could be best corrected with physical therapy or surgery. Rest and ice are great for treating an injury, but other methods may best resolve the underlying condition.

3. Foot Injuries Can Easily Be Handled By Your General Practitioner – General practitioners have an incredible wealth of knowledge on a myriad of medical topics, but they don’t always have the in-depth knowledge of a foot and ankle specialist. Some minor injuries can be cared for by your GP, but more serious injuries or recurring issues should be handled by someone who understands the intricacies of your foot and who performed many similar surgeries.

4. You Need To Learn To Live With Foot Pain – This one is the most depressing misconception we hear from patients. Many patients will say “I’ve dealt with this issue for years,” or “I was told there’s nothing that can be done to alleviate my pain.” We’re not saying we can always find a solution to your foot pain, but we are willing to try a variety of conservative and operative options if need be to find an answer for you. If we can’t totally correct the issue, we’ll work hard to minimize discomfort and help prevent the condition from worsening. You don’t need to live with constant foot pain, so don’t just try and shrug it off. Let Dr. Patel and his team help you find a solution.

by Dipan Patel