We discussed the most common ankle injury of ankle sprains and most heal and recover with therapy and good balance training.  Dr. Lamour is a strong proponent of rehabilitation and correct shoes, inserts if needed, and gait training.  We explain that ankle sprains over stretch the ligaments and these do not go back to their original “length” and the only way to compensate is to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the ankle.  However 20% of acute ankle sprains become chronic.  We discuss how the surgery techniques for chronic ankle instability have advanced and now provide good long term outcomes. 

We discuss other common foot problems: plantar fasciits, achilles tendonitis, achilles tendon ruptures, current surgery techniques that allow for a faster recovery, ankle and foot arthritis and the options for that.  Dr. Lamour is a strong supporter of conservative measures first and surgery when patients are becoming more disabled: waking up at night with pain, more constant pain, pain limiting function and mobility.

The best thing people can do is wear good supportive shoes and replace them often.  Penrose Physical Therapy does gait/walking or running analysis with slow motion play back so you can SEE what is going wrong and how to fix it.  Sometimes it is the shoes, an insert, exercises, massage therapy, and tips on how to walk/run with less pain.  

Listen to the episode to hear what our special OFFER is for feet!