Ankles are among your most vulnerable joints. Not only do they have to bear almost the full weight of your body, but they do so while requiring the flexibility, power, and range of motion that allows you to forcefully run and jump, and gracefully land and dance. It’s no wonder that ankle sprains are perhaps the most common of all sports injuries!

It's also no wonder that chronic ankle problems, including constant pain, wobbliness, lateral instability, and a history of frequent sprains can be so frustrating and damaging to your long-term health and happiness. Even if you aren’t currently suffering from a sprain or fracture, the lack of security in your footing can greatly restrict your ability to enjoy activities.

Spring can mean different things to different people. Some hear the word “spring” and are quick to think about cleaning. This particular season is an ideal time to tackle the big projects that we’ve postponed until winter has passed, after all. For students, this means it’s almost time for a break from studies, and perhaps a family vacation. Of course, baseball fans in Cincinnati associate it with spring training and the nearing of Opening Day for the Reds!

Sure, the pros are getting back into action, but we also have a wide array of baseball leagues for those of us who won’t ever make it to the big leagues. Our greater Cincinnati communities have many little league programs, high school teams, and recreational opportunities for those who want to play baseball or softball.

Foot and ankle injuries are common. They can be caused by a serious accident, sports, work, or something that occurs in daily life. If not diagnosed in a timely fashion or thoroughly treated, they can be debilitating, inconvenient and costly. Serious injuries can result in time off of work and the need for significant rehabilitation. 

If you've experienced one or more foot or ankle injuries, learning the causes, most common types, and how to effectively treat these injuries can help you get back to work, sports, and everyday activities.

 Physical activity is becoming an increasingly popular lifestyle choice as people are encouraged to make healthier choices. Extreme sports, such as running marathons, have become mainstream, resulting in a higher incidence of training injuries that stem from individuals with previously low levels of activity prepping for high-intensity workouts. Primary health care providers must diagnose and manage many common lower extremity injuries and refer severe injuries to specialists. This article will focus on the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of 4 common foot and ankle injuries.