On October 16th, the OA OrthoInsights Webinar series welcomed Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, Precision Orthopedic Specialties foot and ankle surgeon, to discuss the complexities of ankle injuries in sports. With a wealth of experience in treating athletes and active individuals, Dr. Mendeszoon shared his insights into common and significant ankle injuries, including ankle sprains, Achilles injuries, fractures, and dislocations.
This webinar was tailored for patients and community members looking to understand more about prevention, management, and recovery from these injuries.
One of the most frequent injuries in sports, ankle sprains, often results from sudden twists or turns that stretch or tear ligaments. Dr. Mendeszoon highlighted that ankle sprains vary widely in severity, from mild ligament stretching to complete tears. He stressed the importance of early and proper treatment, noting that repeated ankle sprains can weaken the joint over time and lead to chronic instability.
The Achilles tendon, the body’s strongest tendon, is also vulnerable to injury, especially in athletes who engage in running and jumping. Dr. Mendeszoon explained that Achilles injuries range from tendonitis, a condition marked by inflammation, to complete ruptures, which require immediate medical attention.
He shared that while some Achilles issues can be managed conservatively, more severe injuries might need surgery. Dr. Mendeszoon offered recovery strategies to help prevent reinjury, including targeted stretching, strength training, and cross-training to avoid overuse.
Moving into more severe injuries, Dr. Mendeszoon discussed ankle fractures and dislocations. These injuries, often resulting from high-impact trauma, require immediate medical attention to prevent long-term complications. Ankle fractures vary from simple breaks to complex fractures that may impact multiple parts of the joint.
He emphasized that a fractured or dislocated ankle must be treated promptly to avoid issues like joint stiffness, arthritis, and chronic pain. Depending on the type and severity, treatment can range from immobilization in a cast to surgical intervention.
Dr. Mendeszoon’s session was not only informative but also empowering for patients and community members who might encounter or are recovering from an ankle injury. Here are the highlights from his talk:
Dr. Mendeszoon’s expertise offered valuable guidance on navigating ankle injuries and ensuring the best possible outcomes. The OA OrthoInsights Webinar provided a unique platform for patients and community members to learn from a top specialist and gain a deeper understanding of ankle injury care and prevention.
Book Your Appointment
Precision Orthopaedic Specialties is a leading provider of orthopaedic surgery, sports medicine, podiatry, physical therapy, athletic training, and state-of-the-art medical imaging including MRI.