People who suffer a severe ankle injury may wonder whether to seek help from a medical doctor or a foot and ankle specialist medically known as a podiatrist. These Ankle Specialists in Racine WI are not medical doctors, but they have completed a substantial amount of education and training that qualifies them to have the title of doctor.
Athletes and Podiatrists
The number of professional, pro-am and amateur athletes who choose these practitioners indicates how beneficial seeing these specialists can be for foot and ankle disorders and injuries. Ankle sprains and fractures, as well as Achilles tendon injuries, are experienced by this population group more frequently than others. Any activity that requires pivoting, quick turns and running can lead to an ankle injury.
Sprains
An ankle sprain seems like it shouldn’t be that serious, but it can take longer to heal than a fracture. A sprain is an injury to a ligament that could be an excessive stretch or even a tear. Ankle Specialists in Racine WI diagnose a specific level of severity and treat the problem accordingly.
Even a minor sprain can benefit from the attention of a podiatrist. Someone who twists an ankle while walking across a yard with a hidden dip in it may experience erratic pain in the ligament for many months. The ankle is weaker than normal and more vulnerable to further injury during athletic pursuits.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Achilles tendon injuries often can be treated with rest and using heat or ice on the painful area. An exercise program can be provided by the podiatrist, or this foot doctor may recommend a course of physical therapy for healing and strengthening the tendon. Serious tendon ruptures will probably require surgery.
People can hurt this tendon in all sorts of athletic activities. Sports fans often hear about one of their favorite players having to sit out some games because of an Achilles tendon injury. Even casual players of games like kickball can rupture a tendon, especially if these individuals have reached middle age. Treatment is available at a facility such as Great Lakes Foot & Ankle Centers. Contact us to learn more.
