Foot injuries can range from something minor to a serious emergency. However, there are a lot of foot and ankle injuries that may make you wonder what treatment you need. You may think it’s something you can treat at home, but also worry that you should get seen by a medical professional. Many times, you may ask yourself, is it broken, sprained, should I call the doctor, and do I need an X-ray for my foot? These are all understandable questions if you have a foot or ankle injury. Below you will find helpful information to help you understand when you should call a podiatrist.
Do I Need an X-Ray for My Foot?
Due to the complexity of your foot and ankle, injuries on that area of your body can be serious. Issues with your feet and ankles can be due to a sports injury, trip and fall, or even an accident. If you experience any of the following, you may need to get an X-ray.
- Pain or tenderness (on or around your foot or ankle)
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Difficulty walking or putting weight on your foot for at least four steps
- Numbness or tingling
A skilled podiatrist can help diagnose the issue and get you on a treatment plan immediately. It is important to note that if you experience any of these symptoms, in addition to bleeding or a serious deformity (bone sticking out or your foot pointing the wrong direction), go to the emergency room right away.
Break vs Sprain
Many people often think a sprain isn’t as bad as a break, but both can be serious injuries that require treatment. Also, both can present similarly in terms of symptoms so it is not always obvious that it is one or the other. This is why it’s important to contact a skilled podiatrist if you experience any of the symptoms discussed above.
A break is often more painful than a sprain, and it often lasts longer. A break also comes with a substantial amount of bruising, swelling, and tenderness. A helpful way of understanding if you have a break or a sprain is the sound it made when you were injured. A popping sound is often associated with a sprain, while a cracking sound is often associated with a break. If you didn’t hear a sound when the injury occurred it can make it difficult to know what type of injury you have. Due to the seriousness of both types of injuries, you should consult with a skilled podiatrist to determine the issue. They can conduct x-rays and ultrasound for foot and ankle to determine the issue. This will help diagnose your injury and get you on a treatment plan immediately.
Podiatry in Ventura
If you have a foot or ankle injury, it is important to get examined by a medical professional. Foot and ankle injuries can have a major impact on your gait. This is because issues that impact your feet and ankles can also impact your knees, hips, back, and neck. If your gait is out of alignment, it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort that can negatively impact your daily life.
Foot and ankle injuries can be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a podiatrist. Podiatry in Ventura is a great option for treating your injury as podiatrists specialize in issues with your feet and ankles. They will likely physically examine your foot, in addition to taking an X-ray or an ultrasound. An X-ray is helpful in identifying issues with your bones and other hard tissues. However, an ultrasound can examine the softer tissues in your feet and ankles. Both can be helpful in determining whether or not you have a break, sprain, or something else.
