At the Nexus of Stability and Balance: The Ankle’s Role and Surgical Remedies to Repair It
You might not think much about your ankles, but the work they do to keep us balanced, mobile, and stable should not go unnoticed. That’s why in this article, we at Batavia Foot Care Center will explain this crucial body part in detail, including what experts like us can do when it needs medical attention.
The Ankle’s Role in Stability
The ankle joint acts as a pivot point that allows us to move our feet up and down. It provides stability during activities like walking, running, and jumping, and prevents excessive movement that could lead to injuries. The strong ligaments and muscles surrounding the ankle work together to prevent the foot from rolling or twisting.
Mobility and Range of Motion
The ankle joint allows for a wide range of motion and enables us to perform various movements such as pointing our toes, flexing our feet, and inverting our ankles. This mobility is essential for activities like dancing, sports, and simply walking around.
Treating Ankle Injuries
Physical therapy can help restore strength, flexibility, and balance, but in severe cases, surgery from a trusted ankle surgeon may be necessary to repair damaged ligaments or tendons. While procedures vary depending on specific condition:
- Ankle ligament repair: This procedure is often used to repair damaged ligaments in the ankle from chronic instability, such as the anterior talofibular ligament or the calcaneofibular ligament.
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera to diagnose and treat ankle problems, such as cartilage damage or ganglion cysts.
- Tibial nerve decompression: This procedure is used to relieve pressure on the tibial nerve, which can cause pain and numbness in the foot. This is often an option for those with tarsal tunnel syndrome or neuropathy.
You can rely on Batavia Foot Care Center to relieve your feet using a comprehensive breadth of therapies and options. Our expert team, including talented podiatrists Dr. Dawn K. Dryden and Dr. Courtney M. Foote, serves patients of all ages in Batavia, New York, and treats a wide array of podiatric conditions. Contact our office to schedule an appointment today!
