Foot & Ankle Injuries

Millions of Americans suffer foot and ankle injuries each year. At High Desert Limb Salvage Institute in San Bernardino, Indio, and Apple Valley, California, wound care specialist Norris Morrison, DPM, has more than a decade of experience treating foot and ankle injuries with conservative and holistic measures. Call to request a foot and ankle injury consultation or book online today.

What are foot and ankle injuries?

Foot and ankle injuries occur because of trauma or general wear and tear. 

Each of your feet has 28 bones surrounded by dozens of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These hard and soft tissues help you stand, walk, and perform other routine tasks, but they aren’t invincible. 

If you hurt your foot or ankle and your symptoms don’t improve with at-home treatments, contact High Desert Limb Salvage Institute today.

What are some common foot and ankle injuries?

At High Desert Limb Salvage Institute, the podiatrists treat various foot and ankle injuries, including:

• Achilles tendon tears and ruptures
• Achilles tendonitis
• Sprained ankles
• Stress fractures
• Dislocated joints
• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel spurs
• Hammertoe
• Crush injuries

You might also benefit from treatment at High Desert Limb Salvage Institute if you have a bunion  – a hard, swollen bump that forms on the outside edge at the base of your big toe joint.

How are foot and ankle injuries diagnosed?

To diagnose a foot or ankle injury, your High Desert Limb Salvage Institute provider reviews your medical records and asks about the injury, including what you were doing when it occurred, and what it felt like. 

Next, they complete a physical exam. Your provider looks at your foot and ankle for swelling, bruising, or redness. They move your foot or ankle from side to side, gently press your skin to identify sensitive areas, and assess your range of motion. Your provider also orders diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI, to look at your bones, joints, and soft tissues.

How are foot and ankle injuries treated?

Treatment of foot and ankle injuries depends on different factors, including your age and the severity of your symptoms. High Desert Limb Salvage Institute takes a holistic and minimally invasive treatment approach whenever possible. Your provider might recommend:

• Rest
• Ice and heat
• Physical therapy
• Offloading with a cast or a splint
• Activity modification
• Wearing more-supportive shoes
• Orthotics
• Corticosteroid injections

If these treatments don’t ease your symptoms or provide lasting relief, your provider might recommend surgery. The podiatrists at High Desert Limb Salvage Institute regularly perform both minimally invasive and traditional foot and ankle surgery.

To explore the treatment options for foot and ankle injuries, call High Desert Limb Salvage Institute or book online today.