Foot and Ankle Trauma Specialist in Mount Pleasant, SC
Foot and ankle injuries can occur suddenly during sports, falls, workplace accidents, or everyday activities, making it difficult to walk, stand, or perform routine tasks. Whether you have suffered a sprain, fracture, tendon injury, or complex foot or ankle trauma, early evaluation and appropriate treatment are essential to promote healing and restore function.
Blake Ohlson, M.D. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and regenerative medicine specialist providing comprehensive care for foot and ankle trauma in Mount Pleasant, SC.
Treatment plans are individualized based on the severity of the injury and may include advanced diagnostic imaging, conservative care, minimally invasive procedures, fracture fixation, tendon repair, rehabilitation, and regenerative medicine options when appropriate to help patients return safely to their active lifestyles.
What is Foot and Ankle Trauma?
Foot and ankle trauma refers to injuries that affect the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or soft tissues of the foot and ankle. These injuries can result from accidents, falls, sports activities, poor training practices, high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, or from the use of improper gear. Trauma to the foot and ankle can range from minor injuries, such as sprains and contusions, to more severe injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, and crush injuries.
What are the Common Types of Foot and Ankle Trauma?
Common types of foot and ankle trauma include:
Sprains and Strains
- Sprains: Injury to the ligaments due to overstretching or tearing (e.g., ankle sprain).
- Strains: Injury to muscles or tendons, often caused by overuse or sudden force.
Fractures
- Toe fractures: Commonly caused by stubbing or dropping heavy objects on the toes.
- Metatarsal fractures: Injuries to the long bones of the foot, often due to direct trauma or overuse (e.g., stress fractures).
- Ankle fractures: Involving one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint (tibia, fibula, talus).
- Calcaneus (heel bone) fractures: Often caused by high-energy impacts, like falls from a height.
Dislocations
- Displacement of bones in the ankle or foot, such as subtalar or Lisfranc dislocations.
Tendon Injuries
- Includes tears or ruptures of the Achilles tendon or peroneal tendons.
Soft Tissue Injuries
- Includes bruises, contusions, and lacerations that may involve deeper structures.
Crush Injuries
- High-impact injuries that can damage multiple tissues, including bones, muscles, and nerves.
Signs and Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Trauma
Signs and symptoms of foot and ankle trauma include:
- Pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising at the site of injury
- Deformity or misalignment
- Inability to bear weight or move the foot/ankle
- Numbness or tingling sensation
- Reduced range of movement
Diagnosis of Foot and Ankle Trauma
In general, diagnosis of foot and ankle trauma may involve the following:
- Clinical Examination
- Assess for deformity, tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.
- Imaging
- X-rays: For fractures and dislocations.
- CT scans: For complex fractures.
- MRI: For ligament, tendon, or soft tissue injuries.
- Ultrasound: For dynamic tendon evaluation.
Treatment for Foot and Ankle Trauma
Treatment for foot and ankle trauma depends on the severity and type of injury, ranging from conservative management for minor injuries to surgical intervention for severe cases.
Conservative Management
- Immobilization: Casts, splints, or walking boots are used to stabilize fractures, sprains, or ligament injuries.
- RICE Protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
- Pain Management: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Initiated after the acute phase to restore range of motion, strength, and functionality.
- Orthotics or Braces: Provide support during recovery and prevent re-injury.
Surgical Treatment
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): Used for displaced fractures or joint instability to realign and stabilize bones with plates, screws, or wires.
- Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgery for ligament or cartilage repair.
- External Fixation: Stabilizes severe fractures with external hardware, often used in cases of soft tissue compromise.
- Tendon Repair: Necessary for complete ruptures, such as Achilles tendon injuries.
- Debridement and Reconstruction: Used for open fractures or significant soft tissue damage to prevent infection and restore function.
Rehabilitation
- Gradual weight-bearing exercises and physical therapy help restore mobility, balance, and strength.
- Long-term use of braces or custom orthotics may be necessary for structural support and injury prevention.
Timely and appropriate treatment is essential to ensure optimal recovery and prevent complications such as chronic pain, deformity, or post-traumatic arthritis.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Foot and Ankle Trauma in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Choosing the right orthopedic specialist after a foot or ankle injury can make a significant difference in your recovery. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive orthopedic care for patients experiencing both acute and complex foot and ankle trauma in Mount Pleasant, SC. Every treatment plan is designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help patients return to work, sports, and everyday activities as safely and efficiently as possible.
Patients choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Board-certified orthopedic expertise in treating foot and ankle injuries
- Comprehensive evaluation using advanced diagnostic imaging
- Personalized treatment plans based on your injury, activity level, and recovery goals
- Conservative care whenever appropriate to avoid unnecessary surgery
- Advanced surgical techniques for fractures, tendon injuries, ligament damage, and complex trauma
- Regenerative medicine expertise to support healing in select patients
- Coordinated rehabilitation focused on restoring strength, stability, and function
- Convenient orthopedic care for patients throughout Mount Pleasant and the surrounding Charleston area
Whether your injury results from athletics, a workplace accident, a fall, or a motor vehicle collision, Dr. Ohlson is committed to providing timely, evidence-based care that supports a safe and lasting recovery.
Foot and Ankle Trauma FAQs
What types of foot and ankle injuries require immediate medical attention?
You should seek prompt evaluation if you experience severe pain, significant swelling, visible deformity, inability to bear weight, numbness, open wounds, or persistent bleeding after a foot or ankle injury. These symptoms may indicate a fracture, dislocation, tendon rupture, or other serious injury.
Can foot and ankle trauma heal without surgery?
Yes. Many sprains, minor fractures, tendon strains, and soft tissue injuries respond well to conservative treatments such as immobilization, activity modification, physical therapy, and medications. Surgery is generally reserved for unstable fractures, complete tendon ruptures, severe ligament injuries, or injuries that fail to improve with nonsurgical care.
How long does recovery take after foot or ankle trauma?
Recovery depends on the type and severity of the injury. Mild sprains may improve within a few weeks, while fractures, tendon repairs, or complex trauma may require several months of healing and rehabilitation before returning to full activity.
Will I need physical therapy after treatment?
In many cases, physical therapy plays an important role in recovery. Rehabilitation helps restore flexibility, strength, balance, and normal movement while reducing the risk of future injuries.
Can I walk after a foot or ankle injury?
This depends on the injury. Some conditions allow limited weight-bearing with a walking boot, while fractures, tendon ruptures, or severe ligament injuries may require crutches or complete non-weight-bearing until healing progresses.
What happens if a foot or ankle injury is left untreated?
Untreated injuries can lead to chronic pain, joint instability, reduced mobility, arthritis, deformity, delayed healing, or long-term functional limitations. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent these complications.
When should I schedule an appointment after an injury?
If your pain, swelling, bruising, or difficulty walking persists beyond a day or two, or if you suspect a fracture or tendon injury, you should schedule an orthopedic evaluation as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
Schedule a Foot and Ankle Trauma Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC
If you have experienced a foot or ankle injury, don't ignore persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty walking. Early diagnosis and expert treatment can help prevent long-term complications and support a faster recovery. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive care for foot and ankle trauma in Mount Pleasant, SC, offering personalized treatment plans ranging from conservative therapies to advanced surgical care when necessary.
Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and receive expert foot and ankle trauma treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC.