Ankle and Foot Sprain, Strain, and Trauma

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report

UT Southwestern Medical Center has earned a "High Performing" rating from U.S. News & World Report for orthopaedic care, placing us among the nation’s leading hospitals in this area of care.

UT Southwestern Medical Center’s experts have the advanced skills and tools to restore function to injured ankles or feet for patients of all ages and activity levels.

Our multidisciplinary team of surgeons, physical therapists, and podiatrists works together to create a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient with an ankle or foot injury.

Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Care

Ankle and foot sprains, strains, and fractures are common injuries that can result from a sports injury, fall, or accident. Regardless of the cause, these conditions can make it difficult or painful to walk.

Our doctors treat all types of ankle and foot injuries, such as:

• Achilles tendon rupture
• Ankle and foot fractures
• Ankle and foot sprains and strains, such as high ankle sprains
• Sports-related sprains, strains, and fractures

We offer the latest, leading-edge treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma injections and shockwave therapy or extracorporeal pulse activation therapy (EPAT), and provide patients access to clinical trials, when appropriate. Many of our doctors specialize in sports-related injuries, helping athletes fully recover from injury and return to competition.

Symptoms of Ankle and Foot Injuries

An ankle or foot sprain occurs when ligaments in the ankle or foot are torn or partially torn. An ankle or foot fracture happens when a bone in the ankle or foot breaks.

Symptoms of a sprain or fracture of the ankle or foot include:

• Pain that worsens when the patient bears weight on the hurt foot
• Swelling or bruising
• Restricted range of motion or instability

Diagnosing Ankle and Foot Injuries

To diagnose the severity of an ankle or foot injury, we will examine the ankle or foot and get a history of the injury. The doctor might order additional tests to determine the extent of the injury. These include:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Ultrasounds
• X-rays

MRIs are particularly useful for spotting stress fractures and soft tissue injuries such as ankle ligament sprains. If a patient has an ankle or foot fracture, the doctor might also order computed tomography (CT) scans, which offer a comprehensive view of the bones and joints.

Sprained Ankle and Foot Treatment

We often use rest and anti-inflammatory medication to manage ankle or foot sprain pain. Other conservative treatments include:

• Casts or boots
• Physical therapy                  
• Ultrasound and electrical stimulation

Ankle and Foot Surgery

Ankle and foot sprains and fractures often can heal with nonsurgical treatments. However, depending on the severity and location of a fracture, surgery might be required.

Our specialists work closely with each patient to determine if he or she requires surgery. When surgery is needed, we offer minimally invasive reconstruction surgery, as well as traditional open surgery.