The ankle joint is one of the most complex anatomical structures in the human body: massive axial load, a large volume of small movements and high mobility of intra- and peri-articular structures. All this creates conditions for an increased risk of injury - foot dislocations are almost the most frequent reason for referrals to a traumatologist at the Rudenko Medical Center.
The consequences of traumatizing the structures of this part of the body are unpredictable and significantly depend on the elasticity of the components of the connective apparatus of the joints. Recurrent injuries, repeated dislocations, contractures, the development of chronic inflammatory processes - and this is far from the entire list of negative consequences of untimely visits to a traumatologist with foot dislocations.
The key to being able to move fully is:
- qualitative diagnostics
- effective pain relief
- individually selected type of immobilization and compliance with the time of its application
- surgical treatment of any complexity at Rudenko Medical Center
everything we do every day for our patients, keeping them healthy and improving their quality of life.
The Rudenko Medical Center is a complete complex of diagnostics, treatment, and modern technologies while maintaining an individual approach to each patient. Visit the specialists of our center and be sure that your health is in the reliable hands of our specialists.
How to know when to see a doctor with a sprained foot?
Several characteristic signs of damage to this joint will help you to know that a visit to the doctor should not be postponed until later:
- Sharp pain in the foot at rest or during physical exertion
- The joint is enlarged, swollen, the skin above it is red
- Deformation of the ankle
- Unnatural position
- A feeling of crunch or friction when walking
Diagnosing a foot dislocation will not be difficult. An examination by a specialist of the Rudenko Medical Center, a standard x-ray and an ultrasound examination of the ligamentous apparatus of the foot will be quite sufficient.
The most common causes of foot dislocation are high-energy and targeted injuries that cause:
- Sprained ligaments
- Disconnect
- Rupture of the distal tibial syndesmosis in combination with fractures of the bones of the tibia
What are foot dislocations?
- Complete dislocation
When the foot is completely displaced with a violation of the ratio of the articular surfaces in the ankle-foot joint. Dislocations of the foot are distinguished between front and rear.
- Damage to the Chopar joint
Injury at the level of supracalcaneum, calcaneum and navicular bones. The injury develops as a result of exposure to a high-energy traumatic agent and is often combined with fractures of other metatarsal bones
- Lisfranc joint damage
Injury at the level of the front part of the foot, combined with fractures of the bases of the metatarsal bones, tears of stabilizing ligaments
Providing first aid in case of a sprained foot
If you have been injured and suspect that a dislocation has occurred, you should perform a few simple actions that will alleviate the condition before visiting a traumatologist.
- Elevate the injured limb above body level
- Carefully apply a cold compress
- Clean the skin if there are contaminated wounds
- When transporting to a medical institution, do not create support for the injured leg and do not use it during movements
Even if the injury seems obvious, do not try to perform any manipulations with the foot yourself. This can threaten to worsen the condition of the limb and make it difficult to provide you with care within the confines of a medical facility.
You can prevent foot dislocations if you follow a few simple recommendations:
- A balanced diet will provide the body with trace elements for building strong tissues
- Correction of vitamin deficiencies will prevent the peri-articular tissues from losing elasticity
- Regular physical activity aimed at strengthening the ligamentous apparatus of the foot
- Wearing comfortable, high-quality shoes
- Observance of safety techniques during sports and in potentially dangerous areas
Treatment of foot dislocations
In the vast majority, this condition is corrected only surgically, given the hypermobility of the structures in this area and the high level of the threat of repeated injuries.
Surgical intervention in cases of foot dislocation will consist of open reposition of the articular surfaces and osseous osteometallosynthesis using plates/screws. Untimely surgical treatment:
- provokes the development of instability in the joints,
- as a result – recurrences of dislocations and fractures of the bones of the foot,
- the development of contractures - immobilization of the ankle and foot joints,
- pronounced pain syndrome
- and complete exclusion of the foot from functionality.
This significantly affects the patient's quality of life, leading to the development of a chronic inflammatory process of joint structures. In severe neglected situations, a chronic violation of the blood supply to the bones of the foot will develop, which will lead to osteonecrosis.
It is possible to prevent negative consequences after a dislocation, it is necessary to restore the anatomically stable position of the articular structures in time and ensure complete rest of the limb without loading it, in order to give time for ligaments to restore integrity and fractures to grow. This can be achieved only under the condition of urgent operative treatment and the patient's disciplined compliance with all the doctor's recommendations.
The center's leading specialists have many years of experience in the treatment of foot injuries, and our expertise will allow you to regain the joy of fully moving without any discomfort.