ankles and feet It is another important organ that allows humans to walk, stand, and run with stability. Each person’s feet are different and have unique characteristics. The structure of the foot adapts through use and activity. Foot injuries that each person encounters Including wearing shoes can also affect the feet and ankles.
Dr. Suthon Bowonrattanawet, Director General Trauma and Orthopedic Center, affiliated with Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited. and senior director Orthopedic Center Bangkok International Hospital said that the foot is the lowest organ. But it is very important to the body. Both bear the weight of the body Supports movement and reflects the work of other organs in the body
Bones in the foot Consisting of 26 small bones, the bones around the ankle include: The distal part of the shin bone There is a convex part of the bone called the medial malleolus and the tip of the fibula. There is a convex part of the bone called the lateral malleolus and the tarsal bone, which various bones and tendons around the ankle together perform the function of the ankle in Stretch and wiggle and rotate the ankle Helps with balance, standing-walking and take the weight of the body
Common foot and ankle problems
Dr. Apisan Jinanuwattana, orthopedic surgeon Specialized in feet and ankles Bangkok International Hospital said that common conditions that patients come to see the doctor with foot and ankle problems include:
- Ankle and foot accidents
- Structural abnormalities of the bones, tendons, or joints of the feet and ankles by the abnormality of only one structure Can affect neighboring structures Which leads to other structural abnormalities as well. It also affects the gait. The weight of the foot when walking has changed. In the long run, it affects higher joints such as the knees and hips. Including the joints in the back.
Foot and ankle abnormalities can be found in every part of the foot. The foot is divided into 3 parts:
- Forefoot area of the fingertips
- Midfoot, area of the balls of the feet
- Hindfoot, ankle area
The most common conditions include bunions. Conditions of the tips of the toes being deformed or riding together, flat feet, high arches, and deformed ankles. It may be a continuation of the ball of the foot or part of the ankle itself.
5 risk factors for “ankle deformity”
The causes of foot and ankle deformity may be due to
- Heredity. The anatomical structure of a patient that is inherited genetically.
- Loose ligaments or loose joints
- Wearing shoes that are unhygienic or not suitable for that person’s feet. Such as high heels, shoes that have improper arch support. Shoes with a foot that is too narrow or too wide
- Deformity after injury to ankle bones and ligaments and feet that were not properly treated from the beginning. Until there may be a problem with the bones not sticking together. The bone is deformed, the joint is tilted, the surface of the joint is worn or partially chipped. The tendon has slipped out of the tendon groove. Ankle ligament laxity causes joint instability and ultimately results in degenerative joint disease.
- Joint deformity resulting from destruction of joints resulting from complications of the nerve endings (Charcot arthropathy). Which is frequently found in patients with diabetes , etc.
Causes of ankle injuries
Dr. Ekajit Sikarinkul, Orthopedic Surgeon Specialized in bone and joint injuries Bangkok International Hospital said that the injury to the area around the ankle was. It can be caused by direct injury or indirect injury, that is, the impact of the ankle against a surface. or hard objects Vertical impact or severe bending of the joint. This causes bone fractures in the ankle area. Especially patients with fragile bones, osteoporosis or the elderly by nature and severity. Of bone fracture depends on Mechanism of injury and bone strength. In addition to various information and symptoms already shown Doctors must rely on radiographs to help make a diagnosis. and plan surgery, including plain X-rays and Computer Tomography Scans (CT Scans) for complex bone fractures or fractures that are difficult to observe.
Treatment of foot deformity and foot and ankle injuries
Providing non-surgical treatment (Conservative treatment) can be done in the ยูฟ่าเบท case of a fracture of that bone. Once attached, it does not affect movement. Bearing body weight and the patient’s previous use, such as a bone fracture or fracture without movement of the articular surface or that breakage. It does not affect the patient’s lifestyle, etc. The doctor can provide treatment by wearing a splint. or equipment for support Restrict movement of the knee joint and prevent weight transfer. It takes 6-8 weeks until the bone has a strong enough bond.
Surgical treatment (operative treatment) is given in the event of a fracture. and movement of the joint surface or the patient cannot be treated by wearing a cast In the part of the calcaneal bone inside and outside of the current ankle. It is surgery to realign the bones by inserting screws and/or metal plates to fix the bones (open reduction and internal fixation with Screws | plate and Screw) or tightening tension band wiring to keep the bones fixed in the appropriate condition and position. Combined with internal physical therapy to allow the patient to recover faster. Complex fracture treatment Currently, there is technology using a robotic x-ray arm (Robotic C-arm, Artis Pheno) to help obtain clear radiographs. And making three-dimensional images during surgery Can make bone fixation surgery more effective and is accurate Including reducing the risk of complications that may result from surgery.
However, treatment for ankle fractures varies according to the location of the bone fragments. Movement of broken bone pieces severity of injury bone strength and associated injuries by various factors Orthopedic injury doctor will be taken into consideration in the treatment of each patient. Taking into account other factors such as congenital disease and the patient’s previous use before the injury. And risks that may occur to patients are important
In addition to bone injuries, the ankle area also contains major blood vessels and important nerves. other tissues Particularly common is injury to the tendon around the ankle (ankle sprain). Which is often found to be a twisting injury. Splinting of the ankle occurs stretching of tendons until the tendon tissue is torn. This results in pain, swelling, and bleeding. A bruise on the skin movement of the ankle And putting on weight will result in more pain.
Symptoms depend on the severity of the tendon injury. Which can be divided into 3 levels:
- Grade 1: The tendon is slightly stretched. But without losing the stability of the ankle.
- Grade 2: The tendon is partially torn. But the stability of the ankle is not impaired. or just a little waste
- Grade 3: The tendon is completely torn. and loss of ankle stability
Initial treatment of accident injuries
To reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain, you can do this by resting your feet, applying cold compresses, and elevating your feet (Rest, Ice Compression, Elevation / RICE). Avoid heat, alcohol, heavy use, compression (Heat, Alcohol, Running, Massage / HARM), especially during 48-72 hours after injury. Take breaks and use medicine to help relieve pain and inflammation. which may be combined with wearing equipment Help support or wear taro. In cases where the ankle does not lose stability or lose a little stability
For injuries that are severe enough to affect the stability of the ankle Affects use in some cases Doctors may consider surgical treatment. Most of which can be done by laparoscopic surgery. To sew and repair tendons Bring the tendons back to strength. and the ankles are stable If you have problems with foot and ankle disease