When you feel pain on the outside of your foot, just in front of the ankle, you may have strained the peroneal tendon, which connects the base of the 5th metatarsal bone to the peroneus brevis leg muscle. This injury, often the result of a twisted ankle or other sudden force to the ankle, can result in pain and swelling. It will likely hurt when you try to walk. It is often caused when your foot rolls inward and stretches the tendon on the outside of your foot. The peroneus brevis muscle frequently gets tighter when running, especially on hard roads, increasing the likelihood of it being overstretched. Immediate treatment options include icing the foot to reduce swelling and inflammation, staying off the foot, and taking over-the-counter pain medication. If after a couple of days, the pain continues or worsens, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can examine your foot and suggest further treatment options, based on the severity of the injury.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Brian D. Jackson, DPM from Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Columbia and Pulaski, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.