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Legs and feet

Feature: Ankle sprain

Sometimes one awkward step is all it takes for your foot to twist sideways. Most of the time this does not cause any damage, but sometimes your ankle may swell up and hurt. If after an accident like this you cannot put weight on your foot, or if you have difficulty walking, it is likely you have sprained your ankle. Find out here which immediate measures help against pain and swelling, and when surgery might be necessary.

Research summaries

Achilles tendon rupture: What are the advantages and disadvantages of surgery?

Surgery for a torn Achilles tendon means a lower risk of a new tear than conservative treatment, which only involves keeping the leg immobilized. Yet surgery does carry a higher risk of developing complications, including wound infections and adhesions. more...

Open limb fractures: Do antibiotics help?

Antibiotics improve healing and prevent infections after open limb fractures, and they are a key element of treatment. more...

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Can medication prevent blood clots in immobilised legs?

If you cannot move your leg for days, because of a broken bone for example, then particular anticoagulant drugs can reduce the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. However, the most important preventive measure is to start moving around again as soon as possible. more...

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): What is the risk of developing DVT during a flight and can it be prevented?

The risk of DVT is very low for healthy travellers. Even for people with risk factors, there is little risk on flights less than four to six hours, although their risk is a little higher for flights longer than six to eight hours. Compression stockings can reduce the risk. more...

Chronic ankle instability: What treatments work?

Strength and coordination training can help in the treatment of chronic ankle instability. People who start rehabilitation exercises as early as two to three weeks after the operation become active again sooner than people who do not start until six weeks after the operation. more...