Ankle Orthopedist near Newark, NJ
Achilles Tendon Rupture
For more info: orthoinfo.aaos.org
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. A rupture, or tear, can occur when the tendon is overstretched. This injury is very painful. You may hear a popping or snapping noise when the tendon is torn.
Achilles tendon rupture can be caused by:
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- Too much stress placed on the tendon, common during running, especially on hills, stairs, and hard surfaces; lunging, jumping, twisting (eg, basketball, football, rugby)
- Weakened tendon that has not fully healed from previous injury, use of medication, or disease
- Overworking an inflamed tendon
- Having an accident where the tendon is cut or mangled (less common)
An Achilles tendon rupture is repaired by making an incision through the sheath that surrounds the tendon. Dr. Augustin will remove parts of your damaged tendon, or repair the rip in the tendon.
Ankle Sprains
For more info: orthoinfo.aaos.org
An ankle sprain is a partial or complete tear of the ligaments that support the ankle. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that cross joints and connect bones to each other.
Ankle sprains may be caused by:
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- Falling
- Sudden twisting of the ankle, such as:
- Stepping on an uneven surface or in a hole. Taking an awkward step when running, jumping, or stepping up or down
- Having your ankle “roll over” when playing sports or exercising (called inversion of the foot)
Based on the level of an ankle sprain, Dr. Augustin may advise rest with limited weight bearing, icing the ankle to keep the swelling down, compression to help control the swelling and keeping the foot elevated. If the Sprain is more severe the doctor may immobilize or splint your sprained ankle.
Ankle Fractures
For more info: orthoinfo.aaos.org
An ankle fracture is a break in the ankle joint. The joint is made up of three bones:
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- Tibia (shin bone) — the main bone of the lower leg that runs along the inside of the leg.
- Fibula — the smaller bone of the lower leg that runs along the outside of the leg.
- Talus — the bone that provides the connection between the leg and the foot and is less often fractured than the others.
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The ankle joint is supported by three groups of ligaments. An injury that causes a fracture may also damage one or more of these ligaments.
An ankle fracture can occur when the joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion or when there is a direct blow to the bone itself. Any form of ankle trauma may cause injury, including:
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- Falls
- Twists
- Blows
- Collisions
Depending on the type and severity of your ankle fracture, Dr. Augustin will discuss your options. Some fractures can be treated non-surgically with casting or other forms of stabilization, while other fractures will require surgical treatment to stabilize the fracture fragments.
Most ankle fractures take about 6-8 weeks to heal, although pain will subside after 2-3 weeks. A splint, cast, or walking boot is necessary until the doctor recommends it be discontinued, usually at approximately 6-8 weeks. Patients treated operatively can usually return to bearing weight on the joint at 6-8 weeks. Return to sports is usually at 10-12 weeks, once the ankle has been rehabilitated.
Call  201.437.9700 for our Bayonne location or call  973.680.4200 for our Bloomfield location to schedule a consultation and learn more.