Injured Your Ankle? Here’s What You Need to Know About Treatment and Recovery
Ankle injuries can happen in a variety of ways—car accidents, sports, or even just a simple misstep. No matter how it happens, ankle injuries can significantly affect your ability to walk, work, and enjoy daily activities. At Keystone Medical Group, we specialize in diagnosing and treating ankle injuries caused by auto accidents, falls, or other incidents.
If you’re in Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, or surrounding areas, we’re here to help you get back on your feet—literally.
Common Types of Ankle Injuries
Ankle injuries can vary from minor sprains to more serious fractures. Some of the most common types include:
1. Sprains and Strains
A sprain occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, often from twisting the ankle during a fall or accident. Strains refer to injury to the muscles or tendons. These injuries can range from mild to severe, and recovery time can vary.
2. Fractures
A fractured ankle happens when one or more bones in the ankle break. This injury is more serious and often requires immediate medical attention and possibly surgery.
3. Achilles Tendon Injuries
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel. Injuries to this tendon, like a tear or rupture, can be very painful and may require long-term rehabilitation.
4. Chronic Ankle Instability
If you’ve twisted your ankle multiple times, the ligaments may become stretched, leading to chronic instability. This can cause ongoing pain, swelling, and a frequent feeling that your ankle might “give out.”
Symptoms of an Ankle Injury
After an ankle injury, you may experience:
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Pain and tenderness around the ankle
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Swelling and bruising
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Limited range of motion
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Difficulty walking or standing
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A feeling of instability or weakness
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to get checked out by a healthcare professional, especially if the injury happened during a car accident or high-impact event.
How Keystone Medical Group Treats Ankle Injuries
At Keystone Medical Group, we provide personalized care for ankle injuries. Our approach includes:
1. Accurate Diagnosis
Using advanced diagnostic tools, such as X-rays and physical exams, we assess the extent of the injury. If necessary, we will refer you for additional imaging or tests.
2. Conservative Treatment
Many ankle injuries can be treated with conservative methods such as:
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Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (R.I.C.E.)
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Physical therapy to strengthen the ankle and improve range of motion
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation
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Braces or supports to stabilize the joint
3. Rehabilitation
Our specialized rehabilitation program focuses on restoring strength, mobility, and stability to your ankle. We use manual therapy, stretching exercises, and balance training to ensure a full recovery.
4. Surgical Referrals
In cases of severe fractures or ligament damage, surgery may be necessary. If this is the case, we’ll help you get a referral to an experienced orthopedic surgeon.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long to Treat an Ankle Injury?
Ignoring an ankle injury or delaying treatment can lead to long-term complications, including:
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Chronic pain or stiffness
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Weakness and instability, making future injuries more likely
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Arthritis in the ankle joint
Early intervention and treatment are key to a successful recovery and reducing the risk of permanent damage.
Serving Kansas City and Surrounding Areas
At Keystone Medical Group, we proudly serve patients throughout the Kansas City metro area, including:
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Kansas City, MO & KS
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Overland Park
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Olathe
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Leawood
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Shawnee
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Lee’s Summit
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Raytown and more
No matter where your injury occurred, we’re here to help you heal.
Call Today to Get Your Ankle Injury Treated
If you’ve injured your ankle in a car accident or other incident, don’t wait to get the care you need. Call Keystone Medical Group today at 816-705-2842 to schedule your evaluation and start your recovery.
