Foot & Ankle Injuries in Centennial, CO
From weekend mishaps to competitive sports, foot and ankle injuries happen fast—and proper early care makes a big difference in recovery time. At Elite Foot & Ankle Center, we offer prompt evaluation, on-site imaging, and personalized treatment plans that reduce pain, protect healing tissue, and help you return to work, school, or sport safely.
Common Foot & Ankle Injuries
- Ankle Sprains & Instability: Lateral ligament sprains, high-ankle (syndesmotic) sprains
- Fractures: Toe, metatarsal, fifth metatarsal (Jones), ankle, talus, calcaneus; stress fractures
- Tendon & Soft-Tissue: Achilles tendinitis/tear, peroneal tendinitis, posterior tibial tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, turf toe
- Overuse & Sports: Shin splints, bone stress injuries, training load errors
- Contusions & Crush Injuries: Nail trauma, soft-tissue bruising, swelling
What to Do After an Injury
- Protect & Rest: Stop the aggravating activity; use support (brace, boot, crutches) as needed.
- Ice & Elevate: Short, regular cooling sessions and elevation above heart level to reduce swelling.
- Compression: Elastic wrap or brace for stability and edema control (avoid if there’s numbness or severe pain).
- Seek Evaluation: Persistent pain, swelling, inability to bear weight, or deformity should be seen promptly.
How We Evaluate Your Injury
- History & Exam: Mechanism of injury, location of tenderness, swelling, range of motion, stability tests.
- On-Site Imaging: Digital X-rays to assess fractures or alignment; ultrasound for tendon/ligament involvement when indicated.
- Risk Review: Footwear, biomechanics, prior injuries, and training load that affect recovery and recurrence.
Treatment Plan Tailored to You
- Pain & Swelling Control: Elevation, ice, compression, and appropriate medications when needed.
- Immobilization & Support: Bracing, walking boot, or short-term casting for sprains and fractures.
- Functional Rehab: Guided progression through mobility, strength, balance, and sport-specific drills.
- Load Management: Stepwise return-to-activity plan to protect healing tissue and prevent setbacks.
- Advanced Care (as needed): Ultrasound-guided injections or surgical referral when conservative care isn’t sufficient.
- Prevention: Footwear guidance, orthotic options, ankle stabilization programs, and cross-training strategies.
Home Care & Recovery Tips
- Follow bracing/boot and weight-bearing instructions exactly—don’t “push through” sharp pain.
- Use elevation after activity to manage swelling during recovery.
- Perform your rehab exercises consistently; small, steady gains beat rushed progress.
- Replace worn-out shoes and avoid uneven surfaces early in recovery.
When To Seek Urgent Care
Call promptly for increasing redness, swelling, warmth, foul odor, fever, spreading drainage, or if the wound probes deep or exposes tendon/bone. Go to urgent care or the ER for severe deformity, sudden “pop” with inability to push off (possible Achilles rupture), numbness or tingling that doesn’t improve with rest, open fractures/wounds, or pain so severe you cannot bear weight.
New Patients
First visit? View what to bring and how to prepare on our New Patient Information page. You can also call (720) 638-6081 with questions.FAQs
Is it a sprain or a fracture?
Symptoms can overlap. A careful exam and X-rays help distinguish the two. When in doubt, get evaluated—treating a fracture like a simple sprain can delay healing.
How long does an ankle sprain take to heal?
Mild sprains may improve within 2–3 weeks; moderate to severe sprains often need 4–8+ weeks with proper support and rehab.
When can I return to sports?
Return is based on pain-free motion, strength, balance, and sport-specific testing. We’ll provide a clear, stepwise plan tailored to your goals.
Other Conditions We Treat
The information on this page is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you suspect a fracture, severe sprain, or tendon injury, seek prompt evaluation.