Foot & Ankle Nerve Injury

Foot and ankle nerve injuries can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. At BlueRock Foot & Ankle, we specialize in diagnosing and treating these complex conditions, ensuring you receive the best care possible. 

Foot and ankle nerve injuries can arise from various causes, including trauma, inflammation, and medical conditions. Some common nerve injuries include:

Peroneal Nerve Injury: Often caused by traumatic injuries to the knee, leg, or ankle, such as fractures or dislocations. Symptoms include pins-and-needles sensations, pain, weakness, and foot drop (difficulty lifting the foot), which can significantly impact mobility and athletic performance.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition is caused by compression or damage to the tibial nerve, often due to overuse, flat feet, or ankle injuries. It presents with pain, burning, tingling, and numbness in the bottom of the feet and toes, affecting everyday activities.

Peripheral Neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy can result from diabetes, traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, and exposure to toxins. Symptoms include weakness, numbness, pain, and extreme sensitivity to touch, which can severely impact the quality of life.

Morton's Neuroma: This condition is characterized by a thickening of the tissue around the nerves leading to the toes, often caused by repetitive stress or wearing tight shoes. Symptoms include sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot and a sensation of a pebble in the shoe.

Post-Trauma Nerve Injuries: Nerve injuries can occur from lacerations, fractures, or dislocations. They can result in pain, numbness, and weakness, impacting daily activities and requiring prompt medical attention.

Post-Operative Nerve Entrapment: Surgical procedures in the foot and ankle can sometimes lead to nerve entrapment, causing pain, numbness, and altered sensation in the affected area. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for optimal recovery.

Compression Nerve Injuries Associated with Diabetes and Other Inflammatory Conditions: Diabetes and inflammatory conditions can lead to nerve compression, causing symptoms such as pain, tingling, and numbness in the feet. Managing the underlying condition is crucial for preventing further nerve damage.

Drop Foot: Drop foot is a condition where there is difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, often caused by nerve injury, muscle disorders, or neurological conditions. It can result from conditions such as peroneal nerve injury, stroke, or multiple sclerosis, significantly impacting walking and balance.

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. At BlueRock Foot & Ankle, we utilize advanced diagnostic tools to determine the exact nature and extent of your nerve injury. Our clinic is equipped with:

• Digital X-rays: Provide detailed images of bone structures to identify fractures and other abnormalities.
• Diagnostic Ultrasound: Allows real-time imaging of soft tissues, such as nerves, to assess injuries and guide treatment.
• CT Scans and MRI: Available on-site at BlueRock Advanced Imaging Center, these tools offer comprehensive imaging to diagnose complex injuries and conditions.

Our expertise and advanced diagnostic capabilities enable us to:

• Determine the exact injury and extent of damage.
• Guide a customized course of treatment.
• Provide accurate timelines for recovery and return to activity.
• Monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.

Effective treatment of nerve injuries requires a comprehensive approach. At BlueRock Foot & Ankle, we offer a range of treatment options tailored to your specific needs:

• Conservative Treatments:
  • Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE)
  • Physical therapy tailored to individual needs.
  • Custom orthotics to support and align the foot and ankle.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications.

• Surgical Interventions:
  • For severe injuries or those that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgical options may be necessary.
  • Our specialized surgical training ensures the best outcomes for procedures such as nerve decompression and repair.

Dr. Jason Rockwood, the lead provider at BlueRock Foot & Ankle, has advanced training in peripheral nerve surgery. He was trained by one of the world's experts in peripheral nerve surgery, Dr. Lee Dellon. Dr. Dellon is renowned for pioneering the field of peripheral nerve surgery and developing decompression surgery for the treatment of painful neuropathy in the lower extremity. This innovative procedure has significantly improved the quality of life for patients suffering from neuropathy and chronic nerve compression. 

Preventing nerve injuries is as important as treating them. Here are some tips to keep your feet and ankles healthy:

• Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning.
• Warm-Up and Stretching: Incorporate dynamic stretches and warm-up exercises before activities.
• Strengthening Exercises: Focus on strengthening the muscles around the foot and ankle to improve stability.
• Gradual Progression: Increase training intensity gradually to avoid overuse injuries.

Recovery is a journey, and BlueRock Foot & Ankle is here to support you every step of the way. We offer comprehensive rehabilitation programs designed to restore strength, flexibility, and function.

Don't let nerve injuries hold you back. Schedule an appointment with BlueRock Foot & Ankle today for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan. We serve patients in the Utah Valley from Lehi to Payson and every amazing community in between. We are located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains in Provo, Utah, just minutes from the entrance of Provo Canyon. Contact us at 801-356-0233 or book online at www.BlueRockFootandAnkle.com.