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For Many, Spring is Fall SeasonEric Caporusso, DPM With the hectic pace of the spring season, serious injuries from falls inevitably occur. A Western Wisconsin foot and ankle surgeon says falls on icy surfaces are a major cause of ankle sprains and fractures, and it’s critical to seek prompt treatment to prevent further damage that can prolong recovery. Eric F, Caporusso, DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon at Chippewa Valley Orthopedics and Sports Medicine says the ankle joint is vulnerable to serious injury from hard falls from residual winter ice, exercise or sports-related injuries, or spring cleaning mishaps. “Ice accelerates the fall and often causes more severe trauma because the foot can go in any direction after slipping,” he says. Dr. Caporusso is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) and is board certified in foot surgery as well as reconstructive hindfoot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ABFAS). He has offices in Altoona, Chippewa Falls, Cumberland, and Rice Lake. He adds that in cases of less severe fractures and sprains, it’s possible to walk and mistakenly believe the injury doesn’t require medical treatment. “Never assume the ability to walk means your ankle isn’t broken or badly sprained,” he says. “Putting weight on the injured joint can worsen the problem and lead to chronic instability, joint pain, and arthritis later in life.” Some people may fracture and sprain an ankle at the same time, and a bad sprain can mask the fracture. “It’s best to have an injured ankle evaluated as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment,” says Caporusso. “If you can’t see a foot and ankle surgeon or visit the emergency room right away, follow the RICE technique — Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation — until medical care is available.” According to the ACFAS consumer website, FootHealthFacts.org, even though symptoms of ankle sprains and fractures are similar, fractures are associated with:
Most ankle fractures and some sprains are treated by immobilizing the joint in a cast or splint to foster union and healing. However, surgery may be needed to repair fractures with significant malalignment to unite bone fragments and realign them properly. Dr. Caporusso said newly designed surgical plates and screws, as well as newer arthroscopic or minimally invasive techniques, allow repair of these injuries with less surgical trauma.
Dr. Caporusso recommends scheduling an appointment with his office if you have injured your ankle in any way. “If you fall on an icy spot and hurt your ankle, the best advice is to seek medical attention immediately,” he says. “This aids in early diagnosis and proper treatment of the ankle injury and reduces the risk of further damage.” For further information about ankle fractures and sprains or other foot and ankle problems, contact Dr. Caporusso at (715) 832-1400.
Eric Caporusso, DPM – Chippewa Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine |
“With newer bone-fixation methods, there are smaller incisions to minimize tissue damage and bleeding and accelerate the healing process,” he says.