Drew Stein, MD- Orthopedic Surgeon Specializing in Sports Medicine

Common Foot and Ankle Injuries a Qualified Orthopedic Specialist Can Address

Within the foot and ankle, there are many different bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that can be subject to injury through regular physical activity. Seeing an orthopedic physician after injuring these structures is important, as improper healing can result in long-term pain and dysfunction of the lower body. Here is an overview of some of the most frequently occurring foot and ankle injuries that should be treated by an orthopedist.

• Ankle sprains
  Twisting the ankle by falling or making a sudden movement in the wrong direction can cause the ligaments in the ankle to stretch too far causing a sprain. This type of injury can be extremely painful and can cause symptoms that last for several weeks. Most sprains are treatable through physical therapy and rest, but ligament reconstruction may be necessary when the injury is severe.
      
• Foot or ankle fracture
  Impact to the foot or ankle can lead to fracture of one or more of the many bones in this part of the body. The specialized level of care offered through an orthopedic physician is necessary for treating foot or ankle fractures. The bones inside the foot and ankle need to be set properly to facilitate optimal healing with minimal disturbance to structures surrounding the broken bone, so be sure to seek the experienced care of Dr. Stein.
      
• Shin splints
  Although the symptoms of shin splints are felt in the legs, the problem actually originates in the feet. When the tendons of the foot are under stress from activities like running and walking, they generate pain that travels through the attached muscles. The muscles will tighten and cause the shins to hurt during and after physical activity. This problem can continue to worsen over time without the help of accurate diagnosis and necessary treatment.

For a look at more common injuries of the feet and ankles, along with an overview of your treatment options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Drew Stein, MD in NYC. Contact our practice online or call (212) 398-2300 to get started on your orthopedic injury treatment.

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Do You Need More Orthopedic Information? Read Through These Educational Resources

If you’ve found our recent posts about orthopedic and sports medicine helpful and informative, be sure to look at some of these other resources to answer more questions you may have about your health. If you are in need of an orthopedic surgeon or expert in sports medicine, Dr. Drew Stein has helped countless patients with his therapy techniques. If you live in New York City, call (212) 398-2300 today to make an appointment.

• The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains the difference between sprains and strains.
   
• For more detailed information about the stages of sprains and strains, take a look at this guide from Health.HowStuffWorks.com."
     
• Many strains and injuries are caused by repetitive movements, sometimes called repetitive stress injuries. Find out more about this syndrome with this guide from the National Educational Association
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• Learn more about Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy in this story from NPR.org.
        
• The Hospital for Special Surgery provides an overview of PRP treatment.

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Exploring the Differences Between a Strain and a Sprain

When you suffer a sports injury, your first thought is likely “When is my pain going to stop?” And while you might not be thinking about whether you have suffered a strain or a sprain, the two injuries are very different. Regardless of what your injury is, you should get to a doctor of sports medicine as quickly as possible to have your injury properly examined and diagnosed.

Many people think that sprains and strains are the same injury, just at different levels of intensity. However, there are a few considerable differences between these two types of injuries. Sprains are injuries that happen to ligaments, the thick tissue that supports joints and muscles and helps hold them in their proper place. Strains, on the other hand, are injuries that occur to muscles or tendons. For this reason, strains are also often called “pulled muscles.”

Both sprains and strains are classified by the intensity of the injury, using the terms Grade I, II, and III. Grade I sprains and strains are the least severe of the injuries, meaning there is pain but no complete tearing of ligaments or muscles. On the other hand Grade III is the most severe, meaning there is significant damage along with torn ligaments or other serious issues.

There are numerous reasons you may experience either a sprain or strain. Sprains are most often caused by overextension during intense physical activity. If a joint is pushed or jerked too far in any one direction, damage to the ligaments can occur, resulting in a sprain. Strains are frequently the result of repetitive motion and overuse. Minor impacts can also cause strains, but overuse is the most common cause.

If you’ve suffered a sprain or strain, visit an orthopedic or sports medicine doctor as soon as possible. Dr. Drew Stein is an orthopedic surgeon in New York City who is also trained in sports medicine. He can develop an aggressive, non-surgical treatment for most injuries, and can help you towards your recovery as quickly as possible. To schedule an appointment, call (212) 398-2300 today.