Take Caution During Winter Activities
From weekend warriors to skiing aficionados, foot and ankle injuries can sideline many during the winter season.
During the winter season Dr. Maloney often sees patients with foot and ankle fractures and sprains common in skiing and basketball injuries. “With skiing season, I typically see patients with high ankle sprains and even fractures of the ankle bone itself. And, with winter also being basketball season, it’s common to see ankle sprains and even Achilles tendon ruptures.”
Most people with fractures and ankle sprains can avoid surgery, being treated with a cast, or for sprains, immobilization with a boot combined with physical therapy to help restore the ankle’s motion, strength and balance.
For those suffering from a painful Achilles tendon rupture, Dr. Maloney explains that surgery to repair this delicate tendon is usually required. “Surgery to repair the Achilles tendon entails tying the two ruptured ends of the tendon back together,” Dr. Maloney says. “Achilles tendon tears can sideline people for a long time. It can be a full year before strength and motion is back to where it was before the injury, and the typical rehabilitation and strengthening process can last about six months before we can determine whether or not a patient will recover full function after the tendon repair.”
Dr. Maloney stresses that physical therapy and rehab is critical to restoring strength and function following an ankle injury such as a sprain or fracture. “With an ankle injury, you lose balance and awareness of space. Fully rehabilitating the ankle back to where it was prior to the injury will result in improved strength and stability.”
Learn more about foot and ankle injuries and Dr. Maloney’s specialty by visiting www.mdbonedocs.com, or call (410) 644-1880 to schedule a consultation today.
