Sports Injuries Care That Gets You Back

What You Need To Know

Understanding sports injuries helps you recover faster and prevent them in the future.

Foot and Ankle Sports Injuries

Any injury caused by exercise or participating in sports is considered a sports injury. A sports injury can affect any part of your body, but the most common tend to involve bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or joints. Over 25% of sports injuries are foot or ankle-related.

People who participate in sports that involve running or jumping are at a greater risk of experiencing sports injuries. Activities that place a lot of demand on your feet, such as basketball, running, soccer, football, or dancing, are associated with more foot and ankle-focused sports injuries.

Common signs of a foot or ankle sports injury include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, and difficulty bearing weight or moving the joint through its normal range of motion. Some injuries occur suddenly during a specific movement, while others develop over time from repeated stress.

If a foot or ankle-related sports injury causes pain or lack of mobility, it is time to be evaluated. The expert podiatry team at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center can identify the source of your pain and recommend a treatment plan tailored to the type and severity of your injury. Call the office or book an appointment online today.

Treatment and Prevention Options

If you injure one or both of your feet or ankles during athletic activities, the podiatry team at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center can help. Several podiatrists on the team specialize in sports injuries, and treatment recommendations depend on the type and severity of your condition. Along with plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and heel spurs, common sports injuries treated include Achilles tendinitis, ankle sprains, and neuromas.

Many sports activities cause repeated stress on the Achilles tendon, leading to inflammation where the tendon meets the heel. Achilles tendinitis treatment involves rest, stretching, and physical therapy. For severe cases, your podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics, immobilization, or surgery.

Sprains and strains of the ankle come from stretching or tearing muscles, ligaments, or tendons. RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, elevation) is recommended for mild ankle sprains, while more severe sprains require immobilization or even surgery. A neuroma, which feels like a stone in your shoe, is caused by high-impact activities like running or jogging. Conservative treatment may involve arch supports or shoe inserts, and if these do not help, decompression surgery, steroid injections, or nerve removal may be recommended.

Preventing sports injuries starts with learning how to safely participate in the activity. Wear appropriate footwear, use proper equipment in good condition, and begin every activity with a warmup that stretches the muscles. With the right care, most athletes return to the sports they love.