Had a Serious Foot or Ankle Injury? Why You Need a Specialist

Foot and ankle injuries, including foot trauma, are incredibly common. In fact, research shows that nearly 25,000 American athletes sprain their ankles every day.

If you suffer a foot or ankle injury while running, exercising, or playing sports, you might assume the best approach is rest, ice, and activity changes. However, without professional guidance, you could make the injury worse or risk long-term complications.

At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, Drs. Edward Buro, Christine Peterson, and Rosario Saccomanno specialize in treating serious foot and ankle injuries. Keep reading to learn how to tell if your injury is severe, why specialized treatment is important, and the potential risks of delaying care.

What counts as a serious foot or ankle injury?

The human foot is a marvel of engineering. Each one contains 26 bones, 33 joints, and dozens of ligaments, tendons, and muscles. These tissues work together to support your body weight and perform daily movements, such as walking and climbing stairs. 

This complexity also makes the feet and ankles more prone to injury. It’s important to know the difference between serious and mild injuries so you can receive treatment promptly. Contact us immediately if you experience:

• Suspected or confirmed fractures (broken bones)
• Severe sprains
• Repeated ankle sprains
• Ligament or tendon injuries, such as a torn Achilles tendon
• Ongoing swelling, bruising, or instability
• Inability to bear weight or walk normally

Likewise, visit us for traumatic injuries, such as a fall, sports injury, or car accident. Don’t wait, even if your symptoms are mild. Immediately after an injury, adrenaline can mask pain, so you may not realize something is wrong until later.

Why specialized treatment for foot and ankle injuries is important

Foot and ankle injuries often have far-reaching consequences. Without the right treatment, they may heal improperly, leading to problems with your knees, hips, or back. For example, a recurring sprain might cause you to shift weight to one foot, increasing the risk of more serious injuries or mobility issues over time.

Our on-staff foot and ankle specialists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating complex foot and ankle injuries. Their expertise allows them to pinpoint underlying issues and develop personalized treatment plans that relieve pain and support lasting mobility. 

The more accurate your diagnosis, the easier it is to determine the best treatment, helping you return to your favorite activities quickly. 

Potential risks of delaying specialized care

Some athletes avoid going to the doctor out of pride or because they believe in their body’s natural healing ability. While it can be tempting to wait and see how things play out, delaying treatment can increase the risk of long-term issues, including:

• Chronic pain or stiffness
• Joint instability or weakness
• Improper healing or recurring injuries
• Increased risk of arthritis
• Longer and more complicated recovery

After reviewing your health history, discussing your symptoms, and performing a podiatry exam, we provide personalized recommendations to accelerate healing and reduce the risk of complications. 

Whenever possible, we take a conservative, noninvasive approach. Depending on your needs, this could include physical therapy, rest, massage, other manual therapies, or regenerative medicine. The goal is to relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent reinjury.

We can effectively treat your foot or ankle injury

Don’t let foot and ankle injuries keep you from an active, mobile life. Contact Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, today to schedule an appointment or book your visit online. We can help you get back on your feet.