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Ankle

Our specialty-trained ankle doctors at North Louisiana Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic are experts in providing experienced care for patients’ ankle injuries and conditions.

When you think of a common injury that ankle doctors treat, one of the first that may come to mind is a sprained ankle. While it’s true that ankle doctors frequently treat ankle sprains, there is a wide range of issues that ankle doctors see, all of which are unique and require specialized care.

For instance, when ankle doctors treat an ankle fracture, they examine the ankle to see if it is unstable. If so, surgery may be required, but if not, a splint or brace may be all that is needed. In contrast, ankle specialists may recommend a different course of care for patients with arthritis, such as a cortisone injection or wearing custom shoe inserts. Another type of injury ankle doctors often treat is Achilles tendon injuries in athletes. With these injuries, ankle doctors may suggest that the patient rest, ice, and elevate the foot and ankle. If this doesn’t help, the doctor may order an X-ray so they can further examine the injury and offer new treatment options.

Regardless of the type of ankle pain, it’s important to see a medical doctor who specializes in the care of the ankle for the best outcomes.

When It’s Time to Seek Ankle Care

Take note of the symptoms you are experiencing and communicate those to your doctor so they will have a better understanding of what may be happening. Here are just some of the symptoms that people with ankle problems typically have:

  • Ankle swells painfully and looks misshapen
  • Compared to the healthy ankle, the affected ankle looks larger
  • Flexing or pointing the toes results in pain
  • Pain seems to be getting worse versus better
  • Rotating the ankle is nearly impossible
  • Walking abnormally, which affects your gait
  • When walking, the ankle often gives way unexpectedly

If any of these symptoms describe your issue, it’s possible that you may have one of these ankle conditions or injuries:

  • Achilles tendon damage
  • Alignment problems
  • Arthritis
  • Bone cracks or stress fractures
  • Bone fractures
  • Cartilage deterioration
  • Deformity
  • Inversion sprains
  • Lateral ligament tears
  • Osteophytes
  • Posterior impingement
  • Twisted ankle

Ankle pain can have a negative effect on your life, leaving you unable to complete everyday tasks. If the pain and underlying condition remain untreated, there is a risk of further injury or damage occurring, which is why it’s imperative to contact one of our ankle specialists and set up a consultation. Call us today at (318) 362-4411 to schedule an appointment or request an appointment online. We have clinics in Monroe, Ruston, and West Monroe, and we also offer rehabilitation services at our Monroe Rehab and West Monroe Rehab facilities.

Our doctors understand that some injuries require immediate attention. If your ankle injury can’t wait, visit our Orthopaedic After Hours Clinic at our main location in Monroe. Walk-ins are welcome, and no appointment is necessary.

Expert Ankle Care You Can Trust

Since 1951, our doctors have remained dedicated to providing specialized bone, joint, and muscle care to the communities of northeast Louisiana. They are backed by a knowledgeable and professional staff and are equipped with the latest resources, technology, and tools they need to deliver the very best orthopaedic care to all patients.

At North Louisiana Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic, our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons, Dr. Grant DonaDr. Kristopher Sirmon, and Dr. Timothy “Daven” Spires Jr. are experts at understanding the multitude of ankle issues that exist and the most appropriate ways to treat them. Our ankle surgeons believe in exhausting all conservative treatments first before considering a surgical procedure. However, if our surgeons diagnose your damage as severe, they may recommend ankle surgery and will educate you about the process, which includes what you need to consider, how you can prepare for surgery, and what you can expect during recovery.

Our specialty-trained physical therapists work closely with our ankle surgeons to provide each patient with a personalized treatment plan. Our expert therapists are dedicated to helping all patients return to their daily activities quickly and safely, combining specific activities and exercises in ensuring that patients can restore joint and muscular function, strength, and range of motion.

If you have concerns about your ankle, schedule an appointment to talk through your options with one of our expertly trained ankle surgeons by calling us at (318) 362-4411 or requesting an appointment online.

Treatments

Ankle Fusion Transfibular

This surgical procedure is performed to treat severe arthritis or injury of the ankle joint. During the procedure, the surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage and fuses the joint. This stabilizes the ankle and relieves pain.



Bunionectomy (Chevron Bunionectomy)

This outpatient procedure is performed to correct a bunion, a deformity of the toe joint. During the procedure, the surgeon may remove excess bone and then shift the toe into proper alignment. This surgery is commonly performed with regional anesthesia.



Hammertoe Correction (PIP Joint Arthroplasty)

This surgical procedure is used to correct a hammertoe, a deformity of the toe that causes the toe to become permanently frozen in a bent position. During this procedure, a small piece of bone is removed to shorten the toe and allow it to straighten.