Chronic Ankle Instability

The Cycle of Chronic Ankle Instability

• The initial inversion injury occurs: your foot suddenly rolls inwardly and your weight shifts onto the outside edge of your ankle

• The forced rotation of your ankle joint causes the supporting ligaments to stretch or tear

• Stretched and torn ligaments are weaker and may not heal properly

• Unable to play their role supporting the ankle joint, your ligaments give way easily, resulting in more sprains

• The result is chronic ankle instability and an unending cycle of ankle sprains

• Over time, and without treatment, repeated injury to the ankle ligaments can lead to degenerative changes and possibly osteoarthritis

Progression of Instability, Pain, and Arthritis

So, you’ve been diagnosed with chronic ankle instability...Now what?

Know that chronic ankle instability is a long-term condition that may not heal on its own. Rest, ice, compression, non-weight bearing, physical therapy, and elevation may provide temporary relief of the pain from an ankle sprain, but they will not repair damaged ligaments. Once conservative treatment is exhausted, surgical repair may be necessary. InternalBrace is like a brace on the inside!

Ask Dr. Sara Shirazi if the InternalBrace ligament augmentation may be right for you - call (626) 517-0022.

Gel Injection for Ankle Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common forms of arthritis. It occurs over time as the cartilage on the ends of bones wears down resulting with bone on bone grinding. Osteoarthritis worsens with time and patients often experience pain, stiffness, loss of flexibility, grinding sensation and formation of bone spurs. Currently there is no cure, and maintaining a healthy weight and healthy lifestyle, custom orthotics, proper shoe gear can help slow the progression.

Knee and ankle implants have a lifespan of 10 years and is often reserved as a last resort treatment option for the older population. An alternative treatment option is the use of hyaluronate injections. Hyaluronate sodium is a derivative of hyaluronic acid a natural substance that surrounds joints. The fluid acts as a lubricant and shock absorbent protecting joints. Over a course of four to eight weeks the use of hyaluronate injections may reduce the need for a joint replacement and help promote production of synovial fluid. In a diseased and arthritic joint, the production of hyaluronate decreases leading to mechanical destruction of the joint and pain. At the moment hyaluronate products are considered as off-labeled use in the ankle joint, but FDA approved for the knee joint.

There are six major trade name products: Euflexxa, Gel-one, Hyalgan, Supartz, Synvisc, Orthovisc. Most of these products are injected into the ankle joint 3 times total, one injection per week. Patients can return to normal daily activities but should postpone strenuous activities for 48 hours after each injection. The benefits typically last from 6-18 months or even longer. Even greater improvement has been observed when combined with arthroscopic debridement according to Carpenter and Motley in 2008.

For more information about viscosupplementation, make an appointment at (626) 517-0022 to see Dr. Sara Shirazi at Pasadena Orthopedics!

Ultrasound

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General Diagnostic Ultrasound Q & A

Why do I need a general diagnostic ultrasound? Ultrasound technology utilizes very high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off structures inside your body, to produce images. This allows your specialist to see detailed images of your bones, connective tissues, muscles, and other components, with a simple, non - invasive, in-office imaging test. Your foot and ankle doctor may recommend a general diagnostic ultrasound to confirm or rule out any of the following conditions (among others):

• Achilles tendonitis

• Sprains and strains

• Plantar fasciitis

• Stress fracture

• Muscle tears

• Abscess

• Arthritis

• Bursitis

• Tumor

General diagnostic ultrasounds are also helpful for getting to the root of heel pain, which is one of the most common pain-causing issues podiatrists regularly treat.

What are the benefits of a general diagnostic ultrasound? Dr. Sara Shirazi proudly offers general diagnostic ultrasounds at Pasadena Orthopedics, Inc. The podiatry team regularly utilizes ultrasound imaging, because it:

• Provides instant images

• Requires no special preparation

• Doesn’t expose you to radiation

• Is more comfortable for the patient, cheaper, and faster than an MRI (and provides the same results)

Additionally, a general diagnostic ultrasound allows your podiatrist to observe the live movements of your inner structures. This is beneficial because if you only feel pain when you flex your foot, as an example, your podiatrist can have you flex during your ultrasound, so they can observe what’s happening and ensure they look at all surrounding structures.

What happens during a general diagnostic ultrasound? General diagnostic ultrasounds from Pasadena Orthopedics are routine components of pain or injury evaluations. After performing a thorough examination, checking your range of motion, and evaluating your pain, your dedicated podiatrist performs an ultrasound.

Dr. Shirazi applies a warm, clear gel-like substance to your skin and glides the ultrasound transducer — a small handheld tool — over your foot or ankle. They view images right on the screen and capture any photos or videos they may need to help with the diagnostic process.

Dr. Shirazi will talk with you about what she observes during the ultrasound and show you any areas of concern. In many cases, your doctor can diagnose you on the spot and talk with you about the best treatment options.

Pasadena Orthopedics provides on-site general diagnostic ultrasounds, so you can get fast results. Find out more by booking an appointment either online or over the phone today.

Call: 626-517-0022

Email: admin@pasadenaorthopedics.com

Website: www.pasadenaorthopedics.com