Ankle Injury and Instability

Ankle injuries are among the most common orthopedic issues, impacting people of all ages and activity levels. From acute injuries like sprains and fractures to chronic conditions such as arthritis and instability, proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for restoring mobility and quality of life. 

Your ankles are resilient, but they’re not invincible. Acute injuries like sprains, fractures, and tendon ruptures can happen to anyone, whether you’re an elite athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply navigating your daily routine. Without proper care, these injuries can lead to long-term instability or chronic pain. 

Acute injuries often occur due to trauma, overuse, or sudden movements. The most common types of acute ankle injuries include:

• Ankle Sprains: Ligament injuries caused by stretching or tearing, often due to twisting or rolling the ankle.
• Fractures: Breaks in one or more of the ankle bones, which may require imaging to confirm severity.
• Tendon Injuries: Tears or ruptures in tendons like the Achilles or peroneal tendons, often resulting from overuse or direct trauma.

Symptoms of acute injuries include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing complications and ensuring a full recovery.

At BlueRock Foot & Ankle, we offer:

• Advanced Imaging: On-site X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and diagnostic ultrasound for quick and precise diagnosis.
• Tailored Treatments: Ranging from bracing and physical therapy to surgical intervention, we develop a plan that works for your lifestyle.
• Comprehensive Follow-Up: Ensuring a smooth recovery with long-term outcomes in mind.

When acute injuries are left untreated or occur repeatedly, they can lead to chronic issues that affect mobility and stability. Common chronic conditions include:

Chronic Instability: Recurring sprains or untreated ligament injuries can result in an unstable ankle, making everyday activities challenging.

• Treatment Options: Dr. Rockwood specializes in reconstructive procedures like the Arthrex Internal Brace System, as well as non-surgical therapies such as physical therapy and custom orthotics.

Arthritis of the Ankle: The breakdown of cartilage in the ankle joint can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced motion.

• Non-Surgical Treatments: We offer customized bracing and specialized physical therapy programs designed to reduce pain and improve function.
• Surgical Options: For advanced cases, we provide total ankle replacement or ankle fusion, collaborating with local specialists to ensure patients receive the most personalized care.

Post-Traumatic Conditions: Past injuries, if untreated or improperly healed, may result in chronic pain, deformity, or joint stiffness.

• Solutions: From minimally invasive procedures to complex reconstructions, we focus on restoring function and alleviating pain.

At BlueRock Foot & Ankle, our philosophy is simple: individualized care that focuses on restoring your mobility and quality of life. 

Here’s why patients trust us with their ankle care:

• Comprehensive Diagnostics: With advanced imaging technology on-site, we provide accurate diagnoses without delays.

• Expertise in Advanced Surgery: Dr. Jason Rockwood is a leader in complex ankle procedures, including total ankle replacement, ligament reconstructions, and more.

• Collaborative Care Philosophy: We work closely with primary care providers and other specialists to offer holistic, patient-centered solutions.

Our goal is to keep you moving—one step at a time. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden injury or a long-standing issue, we’re here to provide the care you need to live an active, fulfilling life. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward recovery.

Utah Valley is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes, offering endless opportunities to stay active—from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking, trail running, and rock climbing in the warmer months. But with an active lifestyle comes the risk of injuries, including ankle fractures.

Understanding Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures occur when one or more of the bones in the ankle joint break, often as a result of high-impact activities. Common scenarios include:

• Missteps on rocky trails during hiking or trail running.
• Twists and falls while skiing or snowboarding.
• Sudden impacts from basketball, soccer, or other high-intensity sports.

Symptoms of an ankle fracture may include intense pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Some fractures may involve ligament damage, requiring specialized care to ensure a full recovery.

Expert Care for Ankle Fractures

At BlueRock Foot & Ankle, we understand the unique demands of an active lifestyle and are committed to getting you back to doing what you love. Our comprehensive approach to ankle fractures includes:

• Advanced Diagnostics: With on-site imaging capabilities such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and diagnostic ultrasound, we can quickly and accurately identify the extent of the injury.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Whether your fracture requires conservative care like casting or bracing, or surgical intervention, we tailor the treatment to your needs.
• Surgical Expertise: For severe or complex fractures, Dr. Jason Rockwood brings decades of surgical experience, offering procedures designed to restore stability, alignment, and function.
• Rehabilitation and Recovery: Our focus extends beyond healing the fracture. We emphasize physical therapy and strengthening to ensure long-term mobility and prevent re-injury.

Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent injuries among active individuals, accounting for approximately 2 million cases annually in the United States alone. Whether you’re pivoting on the basketball court, tackling rugged hiking trails, or simply stepping off a curb the wrong way, an ankle sprain can happen in an instant.

What is an Ankle Sprain?

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, typically due to a sudden twist, roll, or impact. Sprains vary in severity:

• Mild Sprains: Minor stretching of the ligaments, resulting in some discomfort and swelling.
• Moderate Sprains: Partial tears in the ligaments, causing more significant pain and difficulty walking.
• Severe Sprains: Complete tears of the ligaments, leading to instability and a longer recovery time.

Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, limited range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight.

At BlueRock Foot & Ankle, we know that every step matters. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or simply enjoying the great outdoors, we provide expert care to ensure a full recovery and reduce the risk of future injuries.

Our approach includes:

• Accurate Diagnosis: We use advanced diagnostic imaging, including on-site ultrasound, MRI, and CT, to determine the severity of your sprain and identify any hidden issues.
• Comprehensive Treatment Plans: From rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E) for mild injuries to bracing, physical therapy, and advanced interventions for severe sprains, we tailor treatment to your specific needs.
• Rehabilitation Focus: Recovery doesn’t end when the pain subsides. We emphasize strengthening, balance training, and mobility exercises to restore stability and prevent recurrence.

Dr. Jason Rockwood brings over 20 years of experience diagnosing and treating ankle sprains, offering both conservative and advanced solutions. His expertise in minimally invasive techniques ensures the best possible outcomes with faster recovery times. Our goal is to restore your mobility and keep you in motion—one step at a time.

While sprains can’t always be avoided, there are steps you can take to protect your ankles:

• Strengthening and Stretching: Regular exercises to improve ankle stability and flexibility.
• Supportive Footwear: Choose appropriate footwear for your activities to reduce stress on your ankles.
• Awareness: Stay vigilant on uneven terrain or during high-intensity sports.

Don’t let an ankle sprain slow you down. If you’ve experienced an injury, schedule your consultation today at BlueRock Foot & Ankle, and let us help you take the next step toward recovery.

Chronic ankle instability is a condition that affects many individuals after repeated ankle sprains or untreated ligament injuries. It’s characterized by a persistent feeling of the ankle "giving way" during activities and can significantly limit your ability to stay active and enjoy life. 

 This condition often develops as a result of:

• Recurrent Ankle Sprains: Each sprain weakens the ligaments, reducing their ability to support the ankle joint.
• Incomplete Healing: When ankle injuries aren’t properly rehabilitated, the ligaments may remain stretched or torn.
• Structural or Mechanical Issues: Some individuals have natural anatomical differences or gait abnormalities that contribute to instability.

Symptoms of chronic ankle instability include:

• A frequent "giving way" sensation, especially on uneven surfaces.
• Pain or swelling after activity.
• Difficulty performing physical activities without fear of another sprain.

At BlueRock Foot & Ankle, we know that chronic ankle instability is more than just a physical limitation—it affects your confidence and quality of life. Our personalized care plans are designed to restore stability and mobility so you can stay active.

Here’s how we help:

• Comprehensive Evaluation: Using advanced imaging techniques like diagnostic ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans, we identify the root cause of your instability.
• Non-Surgical Solutions: Many cases of instability can be managed with:
  • Customized physical therapy programs to strengthen the supporting muscles and improve balance.
  • Specialized bracing or orthotics to stabilize the ankle during activity.
• Surgical Expertise: For severe cases, Dr. Jason Rockwood offers cutting-edge surgical options, including:
  • Anatomic Ligament Reconstruction: Repairing or reconstructing the damaged ligaments to restore stability.
  • Arthrex Internal Brace System: A minimally invasive technique that provides immediate stability while allowing natural ligament healing.

Our focus is on long-term results, ensuring that every patient regains the strength, stability, and confidence they need to return to their favorite activities.

Living Active in Utah Valley

With Utah Valley's incredible outdoor opportunities—from hiking and rock climbing to skiing and cycling—living with chronic ankle instability can feel like a setback. At BlueRock Foot & Ankle, we understand the importance of staying active and enjoying all that life in this beautiful area has to offer.

Our approach emphasizes collaboration with local specialists and physical therapists to deliver the most effective, individualized care. Whether your goal is to conquer a challenging trail or simply walk with ease, we’re here to help you achieve it.

Take the First Step Towards Stability

Chronic ankle instability doesn’t have to hold you back. Trust Dr. Jason Rockwood, with over 20 years of experience and advanced training in foot and ankle care, to provide the expertise and solutions you need. Schedule your consultation today and take your first step toward a stronger, more stable future.