Things You Should Know About Ankle Steroid Injections

There are several reasons why a person would receive an ankle steroid injection, which is made up of corticosteroids. Generally speaking, doctors prescribe the injections. With that said, read on to learn more about why these injections are given, how long the effects last for, the benefits they offer and what to expect during an injection.

Why Are The Injections Given

foot and ankle injection for pain


Steroid injections are often given in the ankle when certain conditions need to be treated. These conditions include plantar fasciitis and gout. Other conditions ankle injections can treat are Achilles tendinopathy, osteoarthritis of the ankle, Rheumatoid arthritis and tarsal tunnel syndrome to name a few.

A doctor will examine the patient and evaluate their condition. If they feel that the treatment is necessary, then they may recommend an ankle injection to treat the condition. Depending on the severity of the condition, several injections, over a period of time, might be given.

How Long Does The Effects Last


Steroid ankle injections can be effective, but not everyone will experience the same exact results within the same period of time. How long the effects will last varies from patient to patient, as well as the type of condition being treated. In general, many patients find that the effects last for months. In some cases, patients experience pain relief of up to 9-10 months.

What To Expect


A doctor prepares the injections, which are delivered via a small needle. Once the treatment is prepared, it will be injected into the ankle. Many patients report virtually no pain during the treatment. However, a slight temporary pain flare-up might occur for 2-3 days.

The Benefits Of Ankle Steroid Injections


There are many potential benefits of ankle steroid injections. For starters, the procedure is non-invasive and relatively quick. In fact, the treatment itself takes less than 20 minutes to administer. This is one of the reasons why the injections have increasingly become popular throughout the years.

Secondly, steroid injections to the ankles can significantly reduce pain. The results are often long lasting, which means a patient can enjoy doing activities without feeling constant pain in their feet. Regardless of the condition being treated, there’s a good chance it can reduce pain in the patient suffering with the condition.

Third benefit is the injections are fast acting. Depending on the condition and severity of the pain, some patients might experience pain relief in as little as a day. Other patients might need a bit longer to feel results.

Finally, the injections are relatively safe. All treatments have some degree of risks associated with them. However, the risks associated with ankle steroid injections are relatively low. When compared to other forms of treatment, steroid injections are among one of the safest and most effective treatments for many foot conditions.

Anyone who is interested in receiving an ankle steroid injection should speak with their doctor. They can explain all of the potential benefits and potential side effects. Furthermore, they can tell the patient whether or not they’re a good candidate for the injection.

Treating ingrown toenail

When the side of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, it is referred to as an ingrown toenail. Common symptoms include redness, pain, swelling, and tenderness. Left untreated, severe pain and discomfort may result due to an infection.

Ingrown toenails can be seen in patients with diabetes or poor circulation. Effective treatment options include removing the part of the nail that is growing into the skin and treating the nail bed to prevent an infection from recurring. If you have an ingrown toenail, consult a podiatrist as quickly as possible to begin proper treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful when left untreated. Contact your podiatrist to get the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

INGROWN TOENAILS

Ingrown toenail is the result of a toenail growing sideways into the nail bed. It can cause pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

CAUSES

  • Bacterial infection
  • Improper nail cutting technique – cutting the nail too short or not straight across
  • Toe trauma, such as stubbing causing the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes or shoes with a narrow toe box
  • Genetic predisposition

PREVENTION

Let your toes breathe. Whenever possible, remove your shoes and wear open-toed footwear. Wearing properly fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques can decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

TREATMENT

Ingrown toenails are treatable. If you feel slight discomfort, soak the affected area in salt water or antibacterial soap solution. It will also help prevent infection. Consult your podiatrist if you do not find relief. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed. In either case, your podiatrist can advise you best about this condition and the specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you are looking for the best foot orthotics treatment in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, call Oasis Foot and Ankle Clinic at 602-993-2700 Now. Oasis Foot and Ankle Centers offer cutting edge surgical and nonsurgical treatments for foot and ankle conditions and injuries.

PAIN IN THE BALL OF THE FOOT?

Pain in the ball of the foot or Metatarsalgia refers to painful metatarsal heads. The condition usually develops as a result of excessive pressure over a long period of time.

Metatarsalgia involves pain and inflammation in the padding below your toes. This is the area where your foot experiences the most pressure while standing and moving. Small nerves run between the metatarsal bones. The head of one metatarsal pressing against another can pinch the nerve in between which can become inflamed. This leads to metatarsalgia. Weight bearing activities can worsen symptoms.

Symptoms include burning or shooting pain, or a sharp ache, accompanied by tingling or numbness in the toes. This can affect the area near the toes and the ball of the foot.

Causes of metatarsalgia include –

  • Tight shoes or high heels
  • A high foot arch or a second toe that is longer than the big toe
  • Being overweight
  • High impact exercise
  • Stress fractures
  • Stiff ankle
  • Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout
  • Diabetes
  • Morton’s neuroma

Treatment options involve unloading pressure to the ball of the foot. This can be done by wearing comfortable shoes with wide toe box, custom orthotics and rest. Consult a podiatrist for custom-made foot orthotics that can support your foot and provide adequate cushion to your toes and heel.

If you are looking for the best foot orthotics treatment or foot doctor in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, call Oasis Foot and Ankle Clinic at 602-993-2700 Now. Oasis Foot and Ankle Centers offer cutting edge surgical and nonsurgical treatments for foot and ankle conditions and injuries.

What is Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis affects millions every year. The foot has a shock absorbing ligament or the Plantar Fascia that runs across the entire bottom of the foot. If this ligament becomes inflamed or gets torn due to excessive tension or stress, the person would experience pain, usually within the center of the heel. This is referred to as Plantar fasciitis. Some people can feel the pain up into their arch.

The condition Plantar fasciitis can be caused due to –

  • Working in a job that keeps you on your feet
  • Strenuous exercises
  • Obesity
  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Over-pronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

Plantar fasciitis can be treated by icing the feet, steroid injections, wearing a specialized shoe, and even doing stretching exercises. If you are suffering from any foot pain, it is best to see an experienced podiatrist who can provide the treatment to help you stay pain-free on your feet.

HOW CAN PLANTA FASCIITIS BE TREATED?

There are several treatment options for this condition, depending upon the severity of the condition and your pain.

  • Conservative options – Non-invasive conservative treatment measures include anti-inflammatory medication, icing, stretching exercises, physical therapy and custom orthotic devices
  • Custom Orthotics – Custom made orthotic devices can be worn to relieve the stress and pressure on the foot.
  • Surgery – A surgical procedure may be done when conservative treatments fail to provide relief. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel.

While the condition is quite treatable, you should not ignore Plantar fasciitis or any condition or injury of the foot and ankle, especially in severe cases. It is important to speak to a foot doctor or podiatrist right away to avoid complications and severe pain. Your podiatrist can examine your foot and ankle thoroughly and work with you to provide the most effective treatment options customized for your condition.

If you are looking for the best plantar fasciitis treatment in Phoenix, Arizona, call Oasis Foot and Ankle Clinic at 602-993-2700 Now. Oasis Foot and Ankle Centers offer cutting edge surgical and nonsurgical foot and ankle treatments.

Types of Severe Foot Fracture

The term ‘fracture’ refers to a broken bone. A foot or ankle fracture can happen while playing a sport and exercising, or just by stubbing your toe. Professional athletes are more vulnerable to a foot or ankle fracture due to the constant stress their feet are subject to. But even people who engage in relatively lower-stress workouts and activity could break a foot or ankle bone on occasion.

Accidents and falls are another leading cause of foot and ankle fractures. Custom orthotics can help during recovery and even avoid future falls and fractures.

Foot fractures are classified into various types, based on the amount and impact of force on the bone and the location of the corresponding sections.

  • Comminuted fracture — The bone is broken into many pieces; extensive reconstruction is required.
  • Oblique fracture — This type of bone fracture spreads across the foot diagonally.
  • Transverse fracture — This type of bone fracture is characterized by a horizontal injury.
  • Compound fracture — When the bone breaks through the skin, it is called a compound fracture. This is the most severe type and requires surgery to fix.
  • Stable fracture — As the name implies, when the bones are not severely displaced, the fracture is more stable and easier to treat.

If you suspect a fracture in your foot or ankle, seek medical attention at a podiatrist’s clinic right away.

To learn more or if you are looking for the best podiatrist or foot doctor in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, call Oasis Foot and Ankle Clinic at 602-993-2700 Now. Oasis Foot and Ankle Centers offer cutting edge surgical and nonsurgical treatments for foot and ankle conditions and injuries.

Life After Ankle Fusion

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When conservative treatment fails to reduce ankle pain caused by severe arthritis, your doctor may recommend ankle arthrodesis, commonly referred to as ankle fusion. The goal is to relieve pain and maintain or improve ankle function. Here’s what you can expect after the procedure.

Ankle Arthritis

If arthritis appears in the ankle joint, it causes a degeneration of the cartilage covering the ends of bones that form the joint, which are the tibia, fibula, and talus. An ankle arthrodesis procedure fuses the ankle bones into one bone to eliminate joint motion and reduce pain.

Here’s What to Expect

If you decide with your doctor that ankle fusion is the best option, keep in mind the steps involved after surgery for an optimal outcome.

Immediately following the procedure period, it will be essential to minimize swelling by elevating the fused ankle. This means lying down with your leg propped up or sitting in a reclined position. Pain medication is also provided for this short period.

It will take approximately six to eight weeks before the tibia and talus are fused sufficiently, and you are permitted to bear any weight on your leg. However, this healing period may take as long as 10 to 12 weeks. Going about your daily life without putting pressure on one leg is difficult. To help, patients typically use crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, or knee scooters to move.

About 10 to 14 days after surgery non-absorbable stitches or staples are typically removed. Also around this time, light physical therapy begins to keep the other joints in the foot flexible.

It will be beneficial to have someone help with basic tasks and activities at home, especially during the first two weeks. The following are good ideas to prepare your home while in recovery:

  • Install ramps to navigate stairs.
  • Place beds on a ground level.
  • Install shower chairs, commode handles and railings.

Walking Again

Ankle fusion decreases the majority of up-and-down motion the ankle joint handles. However, all is not lost, as the other joints of the foot remain, allowing the heel to move from side to side and the middle of the foot to move up and down.

Patients will slowly bear weight on their ankle using a walking boot. Physical therapy aids in this transition and maintains your ankle and leg strength. Keep all follow-up appointments so your health care provider can track your progress and resolve complications.

It may be several months before you return to normal activities. The fused ankle will never function exactly like a normal ankle, and it does change how a person walks. However, with proper shoe wear most patients do not limp. Also, patients find even with a fused ankle; they can work physically demanding jobs, walk long distances, hike, cycle, and ski.

If you experience ankle arthritis, the team at Oasis Foot and Ankle Center, www.OasisFootAnkle.com, is committed to helping you through every step of treatment to ensure the best outcome and improve your quality of life.