BCM Orthopedic Surgery

Patient Center
 
 

Dr. John A. Hipp

Dr. Hipp, director of the Spine Research Laboratory at BCM, focuses his research on quantitative diagnostic imaging and spinal biomechanics. More

 
 

Procedures


We offer expert care for adult and pediatric patients.

 
 

The Hand and Upper Extremity Institute

The Baylor Institute for Hand and Upper Extremity Disorders is the South's leading center for the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of hand and upper extremity disorders.

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Foot and Ankle

Your foot is made up of 26 bones. Your ankle joint is formed by your ankle bone, known as your talus, and the end of your two lower leg bones, known as your tibia and fibula. Your ankle joint is stabilized and supported by three groups of ligaments. The foot and ankle move with help of muscles and tendons, including the Achilles tendon.

Common Foot and Ankle Injuries

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the most common foot and ankle injuries include:

Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in sports. Because your inner ankle is more stable than your outer ankle, during a fall, tackle or jump the foot is likely to turn inward - known as an ankle inversion - stretching or tearing ligaments. The result is an ankle sprain. The lateral ligament, located on the outer ankle, is most prone to injury.
Achilles Tendon Injury
The Achilles tendon, your body's strongest and thickest tendon, connects muscles in the lower leg with the heel bone. Sports such as basketball, running and high jumping that tighten the calf muscles can overstress your Achilles tendon and cause a strain - known as Achilles tendonitis - or a rupture. A direct blow to the foot, ankle, or calf can also injure your Achilles tendon.
Overuse Injuries
Excessive training such as running long distances without rest places repeated stress on the foot and ankle, increasing the potential for stress fractures and muscle/tendon strains.
Shin Splints
Pain in front of your shin bone, or tibia, is usually caused by a stress fracture, commonly known as shin splints. Athletes are at risk of this injury when they overtrain, wear poorly fitting athletic shoes, or change from soft to hard running surfaces.

Prevention

The AAOS offers the following tips to help reduce your risk of foot and ankle injuries:

  • Warm up before any sports activity, including practices
  • Participate in a conditioning program to build muscle strength
  • Do stretching exercises daily
  • Listen to your body: never run if you experience pain in the foot or ankle
  • Wear protective equipment appropriate for that sport
  • Replace athletic shoes as soon as the tread or heel wears out
  • Wear properly fitting athletic, dress, and casual shoes

Foot and Ankle Resources

Broken Bones and Injury

Sprains, Strains and Other Injuries

Diseases and Syndromes

Foot

Ankle

Heel

Toes

Treatment and Rehabilitation

Prevention and Safety

Additional Resources

The Foot and Ankle Institute of Baylor College of Medicine

The Foot and Ankle Institute of Baylor College of Medicine is a well-established foot and ankle center offering specially trained physicians, a wide variety of programs for foot and ankle care, an d a friendly environment.

As Baylor College of Medicine faculty members, our physicians not only provide expert clinical and surgical care, they also serve as researchers and educators for one of the nation's leading medical schools. As a result, they offer firsthand knowledge of the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery, and the ability to translate those advancements into better treatment for foot and ankle injuries and disorders.

Appointments

713.986.6016

Make an
Appointment

Call 713.986.6016 or 800.545.ORTH (6784)

Preparing for your visit

Take a few steps before your first appointment to help us expedite your treatment plan. More

Locations

Main Location
Baylor Clinic - Map
Other Locations
Sugar Land - Map
Memorial City - Map
Pearland - Map
MH-Medical Plaza - Map