5 Different Types of Foot and Ankle Traumas

Our feet and ankles are incredibly resilient, but they are also constantly vulnerable to injury from all sorts of trauma. From a clumsy stumble in the dark to a more serious accident, the impact can range from a minor inconvenience to a life-altering problem. It’s important to know the different types of trauma and when to seek medical attention – which is why in this article, we at My Chicago Foot Expert are covering them all.

Direct Impact Trauma

This is the classic, everyday type of trauma. Think of that agonizing moment when you stub your toe against a table leg or when you accidentally drop a heavy object on your foot.

The injury here is from a concentrated force on a small area. This can lead to a simple bone bruise or a painful bruise that bleeds under the toenail. In more severe cases, a direct impact can easily cause a broken toe or a fracture in the foot’s smaller bones.

Crushing Trauma

Crushing injuries are more serious and involve a high level of force applied over a larger area of the foot. This might happen if a heavy piece of machinery falls on your foot at work or in a truly unfortunate accident, a car runs over it. The extreme pressure here can cause multiple fractures throughout the foot’s complex structure, severe damage to the soft tissues, and can even lead to a dangerous condition called compartment syndrome, where pressure builds up and cuts off blood flow.

Twisting Trauma

On a less grim note, this is the most common cause of ankle injuries. A twisting injury occurs when your foot is forced beyond its normal range of motion – an awkward landing after a jump, stepping in a hole, a sudden pivot – can all lead to ankle sprains, or in more severe cases, what we call avulsion fractures, where the twisting force can be so strong that it pulls a small piece of bone away with the ligament.

Puncture Wounds

Stepping on a sharp object, like a nail, a piece of glass, or a splinter, can cause a puncture wound. These are often deceiving. The small, neat hole on the surface can hide a deep and dangerous wound. The primary danger here is infection, as bacteria and debris can be pushed deep into the foot. In fact, a tetanus shot is often recommended for these types of injuries.

Repetitive Stress Trauma

Not all trauma is sudden; repetitive stress trauma is a form of injury that occurs over time. This happens when the same area of your foot is continuously stressed – think long-distance running, marching, or dancing.

Therefore, the foot doesn’t get enough time to heal, which causes conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or stress fractures.

For any questions about foot health and wellness, reach out to the tenured staff at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.