Graphic of feet

PODIATRY SERVICES


Podiatry screening and basic care is available for all residents at the North and South Clinic sites. Call for information or to schedule an appointment. Medicare/Medicaid or cash transactions accepted.
          
NORTH CLINIC 708-788-9100

SOUTH CLINIC 708-424-9200

Information to Keep You Healthy and On Your Feet

Drawing of sprained foot

Ankle Sprains

A sprained ankle is a common injury in which your ankle ligaments are stretched or torn by an abnormal twisting movement of the ankle on the leg. These occur during a misstep or a fall in which the ligaments between the bones are injured. Ankle sprains are graded according to the amount of force that causes the ligament to stretch beyond its limit. Sometimes, the ligament also pulls off a portion of bone to become a fracture or broken ankle. Grade I ankle sprains are mild in which there is small injury to the ligament causing pain and swelling and bruising. This “twisted ankle” typically heels by itself without treatment. Grade II ankle sprains have a partial tear of the ligament which results in more pain and swelling and bruising. You may want to see a doctor with this type of injury because of difficulty walking. Grade III ankle sprains involve a complete tear of the ankle ligament with tenderness, swelling, bruising and weight-bearing.

Occasionally, the ligament pulls off a fragment of bone. This type of injury is called an Avulsion Fracture. This condition accompanies ligament damage and requires a cast and or surgical fixation to correct.

The first one or two days after a sprain is the most challenging. Symptoms can be relieved by rest, ice, ace bandages, compression, and elevation. These injuries do heal on their own, but if normal healing does not occur, continued use may progress to long-lasting repeated ankle sprains as the stretched damaged ligament gets weaker and longer stability is compromised.

See your Podiatric Medical Specialist for treatment and recommendations to get back to regular activity.

Foot and Ankle services are available to Stickney Township residents through the Podiatry Department 708-424-9200.



          
NORTH CLINIC 708-788-9100

SOUTH CLINIC 708-424-9200