Sports Injuries

What are sports injuries?

Sports injuries can include any sort of acute issue that occurs while playing a sport or during training (such as a broken bone). But sports injuries can also be chronic problems that occur over time due to overuse. Some of the most common sports injuries athletes face include:

• Turf toe 
• Shin splints
• Ankle sprains
• Plantar fasciitis 
• Achilles tendonitis 
• Muscle or tendon strains
• Stress or complete fractures

Additionally, because of the added stress on your toes, feet, and ankles during your intense workout sessions, you’re also prone to topical issues. Ingrown toenails, athlete’s foot, and plantar warts are just some of the skin and nail issues sports medicine podiatrists regularly treat. 

When should I see a doctor for sports injuries?

The podiatry team at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers encourages you to have a sports medicine evaluation if you’re experiencing any issues in your lower extremities that are keeping you from performing at your best. You need a sports injury evaluation if you’re feeling or noticing:

• Inability to bear weight on the affected foot
• Burning, stabbing, or stinging pains
• Swelling, inflammation, or bruising
• Open or slow-healing wounds 
• Decreased range of motion 

The sports medicine specialists at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers provide the highest level of care to help you get on your feet and back on the field as quickly as possible. 

How are sports injuries treated?

Your sports injury treatment plan is entirely tailored to your injury and the sport in which you participate. During early stages, you likely need to immobilize the injured area with a splint, cast, or brace. 

Getting plenty of rest, applying ice regularly, using compression wrapping, and elevating your injured foot — remember the acronym RICE — can help promote healing and reduce inflammation. Your sports injury treatment plan may also include:

• Physical therapy
• Activity modifications
• Custom orthotic inserts
• Corticosteroid injections 
• Range of motion and balance exercises
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

If you have a complex injury, such as a ligament rupture or a severely broken bone, you might need surgery to make any essential repairs. But no matter which type of treatment is right for you, the sports medicine specialists at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers care for you every step of the way. 

Schedule your sports injury evaluation at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers today. Click on the online scheduler or call your most convenient clinic directly.