Sports Injuries Specialist

What injuries can come from sports?

Foot and heel injuries often occur when participating in sports where there is a risk of damage to the ankle or foot. They can also develop as a result of excessive stress on the feet. Commonly experienced injuries include:

• Turf Toe
• Tendonitis
• Broken toes
• Hammer toe
• Bruised heels
• Hallux rigidus
• Plantar fasciitis
• Dislocated toes
• Achilles bursitis
• Stress fractures
• Midtarsal joint sprain
• Calcaneal, or heel, fracture

Several injuries can be prevented or reduced when the people follow the recommendations of the podiatrist. Be sure to wear the right shoes and stretch the foot and ankle can also help to keep some complications from occurring.

When should I see a podiatrist?

Consult the podiatrist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Serious swelling
• Severe pain, especially when walking
• Feeling pins and needles or loss of sensation in the foot
• Cannot complete regular everyday activities after three days

If you have utilized the RICE method of rest, ice, compression, and elevation and the discomfort persists, or you are still unable to walk after three days, visit the doctor’s office right away. Also, if weakness persists for longer than two weeks, it is also recommended that you come in.

What treatments are used for sports injuries?

The podiatrist will begin with an assessment of the injury to determine which type of foot or ankle problem is present. In most cases, the podiatrist will order x-rays and may perform a CT scan or an MRI. Non-surgical treatments are available for less severe problems which include:

• NSAID pain relievers including ibuprofen can be used as well as prescribed pain medications
• An immobilizing boot can be provided
• Resting the foot and regular icing and elevation can also help
• Physical therapy and using padding or splints can also help with specific injuries such as sprains or bunions. Fractures and very severe plantar fasciitis may require surgery.