Soft tissue is the tissue in your body that connects, supports, or surrounds your bones and organs. It includes your muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and more — and it provides essential strength and flexibility throughout your body as you move.
But unfortunately, soft tissues are at risk of injury, and soft tissue tears in your feet and ankles are common. These injuries often occur during sports, physical activities, or even routine daily movements, and they can seriously impact your mobility.
Healing from a soft tissue tear requires patience and knowledge, and our team at The Foot & Ankle Specialists is ready to help. Lisa Burson, DPM, and Joe Aoun, DPM, offer advanced care for foot pain and ankle pain. And with the right approach, you can recover well and regain strength and flexibility.
Soft tissue injuries affecting feet and ankles typically involve ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They can happen to anyone, and the most common causes are overuse, improper technique during physical activities, or simply accidents.
One of the most common injuries is a sprained ankle, which happens when the ligaments that support your ankle stretch or tear due to a sudden twist or turn. Plantar fasciitis, characterized by inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, is another common condition.
When you break a bone, healing tends to have a fairly predictable timeline. Bones follow a straightforward healing process, but healing from soft tissue injuries often takes more time.
Soft tissues generally have a lower blood supply than bones, which limits their ability to regenerate quickly. The healing process involves several stages, including inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, and how long each stage takes depends on the extent of the damage and the specific tissue involved.
During the initial inflammation stage, your body works to remove damaged cells and begin the repair process, which can cause swelling and pain. The proliferation stage involves forming new tissue, and remodeling strengthens the newly formed tissue to restore function. Each of these stages requires time, and rushing the process can lead to incomplete healing or re-injury.
If you experience foot or ankle pain, it’s important to get a professional diagnosis. Our team evaluates your condition to determine the cause and extent of your injury, and we put together a customized recovery plan for you. Here are a few of our top tips:
First, you should rest and avoid activities that exacerbate your injury. Use protective gear, like braces and supportive footwear, to prevent further damage and promote healing.
Ice can help reduce swelling and numb the area to provide relief from pain. Elevating your injured foot above the level of your heart can also help decrease swelling and enhance circulation.
Use compression bandages or wraps to help reduce swelling and support the injured area. Be sure not to wrap the area too tightly, because this can restrict circulation and slow healing.
Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, gentle exercise and stretching can help restore mobility and flexibility. We may give you specific physical therapy exercises to strengthen the muscles around the injured area and improve stability as you reintroduce your usual activities.
Soft tissues are critical to supporting your bones and joints, and rehabilitation helps you rebuild strength and lower your risk of re-injury. It’s important to follow our guidelines for recovery — and remember that we’re here for you. We can guide exercises, monitor your progress, and help make sure you’re recovering well.
Healing from a soft tissue tear requires patience and expert care. Get your personalized recovery plan at The Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bay City, Caro, and Lapeer, Michigan. Call the office nearest you, or request an appointment online now.
