(214) 466-7391
Dr. John Hibbitts & Dr. Reed Bartz — Orthopedic Specialties
Serving Sunnyvale, Mesquite, Garland, Rowlett, Rockwall & the Greater East Dallas Area
From anatomy to surgical solutions — jump to the information you need on ankle injuries, diagnosis, and treatment.
Ankle Injury Specialist · Sunnyvale, TX
If you're dealing with ankle pain or another ankle problem — whether from a sports-related injury, an accident, or trauma — the team at Sunnyvale Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center is ready to help. Meet with our highly regarded ankle injury specialist in Sunnyvale, TX and trusted ankle doctor, Dr. John Hibbitts.
We diagnose and treat ankle sprains, ankle instability, fractures, tendonitis, bursitis, and cartilage damage for patients across Sunnyvale, Mesquite, Garland, Rowlett, Rockwall, Wylie, Sachse, Terrell, Kaufman, and the Greater East Dallas area.
Physician Spotlight
Texas board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Dr. John M. Hibbitts has helped patients recover from ankle injuries and chronic ankle conditions since 1994. An experienced foot & ankle doctor, he earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and has provided specialized ankle care to patients in Texas, Ohio, and South Carolina.
An athlete himself, Dr. Hibbitts has trained for years in karate, Jiu Jitsu, and rugby — and he's a father of three. He knows how vital your ankle is to everything you do, and how injury and pain can limit mobility and enjoyment of life. As a sports medicine specialist, he has worked with hundreds of patient-athletes of all ages to diagnose and treat both acute injuries and lingering issues from "old injuries" years ago.
Get back to your daily and athletic pursuits. Call Sunnyvale Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center today for comprehensive foot & ankle care.
Serving Sunnyvale & East Dallas
As a growing ankle pain specialist near Dallas, Texas, Sunnyvale Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center is easy to reach from across the region. To best serve our local communities, we offer:
Your "ankle" is actually several complex structures that connect the leg and foot. Ankle injuries can result from running, jumping, turning suddenly, direct impact, or hyper-extending the joint. If you experience ankle tightness, pain, or inflammation, it means it's time to see an experienced ankle injury specialist.
Two joints comprise the ankle:
Bones in the true ankle joint:
Bones in the subtalar joint:
Ligaments attach bones to one another. The ankle's major ligaments:
Articular cartilage is a compact, flexible tissue that covers the ends of bones, protecting them from friction during movement. Because many bones join at the ankle, cartilage plays a major role in all ankle and foot movement. However, ankle cartilage is thin and susceptible to damage over time and with repeated injuries.
Tendons attach muscles to bones. In the ankle:
These structures are easily damaged and need the attention of an ankle injury specialist. Dr. Hibbitts and his team expertly diagnose the cause of your ankle pain and prepare the best treatment plan to get you back up and going strong.
The most common cause of sports-related injury is a lack of proper training and muscle preparation. When an athlete doesn't stretch adequately before exercise, tight muscles may not reach peak performance — causing the foot and ankle joints to endure extra stress and strain.
This can lead to a sprained ankle, tendonitis, or even broken bones and dislocation. For severe injuries, it's crucial to consult an ankle injury specialist, as neglecting these conditions could lead to long-term instability or deformity.
Overstretched or slightly torn ligaments in the ankle. A collision, sharp twist, or fall places excessive pressure on the joint, leading to this common sprained-ankle injury.
Overstretched or bruised tendons or muscles, often from overuse. Sudden changes in direction or a direct impact can also cause an ankle strain.
Simple and complex fractures occur when bones are partially or completely broken — caused by impact or excessive pressure.
Tendons irritated by repetitive movement become inflamed. This is especially problematic in the Achilles tendon, leading to Achilles tendon injuries.
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion a joint's tendons and ligaments. When irritated and inflamed, the condition is called bursitis.
Ankle articular cartilage can become scarred or inflamed after severe or repeated injuries, limiting blood flow and causing ongoing discomfort and weakness.
Our sports ankle injury specialists treat patient-athletes across nearly every sport and type of exercise, including:
If you're injured, stop physical activity and treat it immediately. Don't try to "walk it off" — you could worsen the problem. To remember the steps for first aid, use the acronym RICE.
Rest: If your ankle is tender and painful to put weight on, intermittent rest is vital for recovery.
Ice: Ice helps reduce swelling and can decrease pain.
Compression: Wrap the ankle in a bandage that applies slight pressure to stabilize the joint.
Elevation: Raise the ankle above the heart to reduce swelling. Rest it on pillows while lying down for the ideal position.
These techniques help you manage pain and stabilize the ankle until you can seek professional evaluation and treatment from an ankle injury specialist.
To diagnose your ankle injury and prescribe the right treatment plan, Dr. Hibbitts may use one or more of the following imaging and diagnostic techniques:
As a specialist in ankle injuries, Dr. Hibbitts examines your specific situation and medical history to determine the cause of your ankle pain and the best treatment for you.
You can treat many common ankle injuries without surgery, but the best recovery happens under the supervision of an ankle injury specialist. Ankles are complex, and once injured, they can be re-injured through over-exertion. Many patients find that combining nonsurgical methods provides the greatest relief and protection against ongoing ankle instability.
Nonprescription anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications treat most mild-to-moderate ankle pain and swelling — including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen, plus topical creams, gels, and patches. For moderate-to-severe pain, our ankle pain specialist may prescribe a stronger medication.
Manipulating the ankle through controlled stretching and mild exercise strengthens muscle and encourages blood flow, increasing joint mobility and flexibility. Physical therapy can last from a few months after an injury to a year or longer for chronic pain.
An intramuscular cortisone injection can treat many moderate-to-severe cases of ankle pain and inflammation. Results often last several weeks and may need repeating if there is irreversible soft-tissue damage.
For long-term support, Dr. Hibbitts may prescribe a wearable stabilization device, or "boot," that lets you walk and place some pressure on the ankle while it heals — supporting ankle instability treatment and joint stabilization.
Surgical Solutions & Treatment Options
Frequently, ankle injuries are treatable without surgery. However, if nonsurgical treatments do not relieve your pain and restore mobility, orthopedic ankle injury specialist Dr. Hibbitts may recommend a surgical procedure for the best long-term solution.
Dr. Hibbitts performs arthroscopic ankle surgery whenever possible to minimize complications, and many procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. Common ankle surgeries include:
Surgery isn't right for everyone, but it may be the best solution for your ankle pain. Discuss your situation with ankle injury doctor John Hibbitts to determine an individualized treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunnyvale Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center
Whether it's a fresh sports injury or a lingering issue from years ago, our ankle injury specialist is ready to help you recover. Schedule your appointment with Dr. John Hibbitts today.
Schedule an Appointment (214) 420-7611