Our Services / Sports Injuries

What are sports injuries?

Playing sports is physically demanding. It places immense strain on your feet, leading to injuries and disorders in athletes at all performance levels. Common foot and ankle sports injuries include:

• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
• Blisters
• Calluses and corns (hardened skin)
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Achilles tendinitis (Achilles tendon inflammation)
• Sprained ankles
• Tendon and ligament tears
• Leg pain

Some sports injuries are caused by direct trauma during training or competition. Others are repetitive use injuries caused by repeated movements that put excessive stress on your ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

Despite its name, athlete’s foot isn’t a sports injury but an uncomfortable skin infection caused by a fungus common in changing rooms.

Should I see my podiatrist for a sports injury?

To be safe, attending a checkup is best even if you think your sports injury is insignificant. You should always seek medical care for sports injury symptoms you can’t treat at home and problems that don’t improve with self-care. Symptoms to look for include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Ongoing pain
• Limited flexibility
• Reduced function
• Loss of mobility

Your injury’s symptoms will likely be a good diagnostic indicator. Injuries are often visible; for example, a fractured ankle will be evident if the bone protrudes through the skin. The Adler Foot and Ankle team refers you for X-rays or other diagnostic imaging to confirm a diagnosis. They can also check the extent of the damage and identify other problems.

How are sports injuries treated?

Mild to moderate sports injuries like muscle strains usually improve with nonsurgical treatments like rest, ice and/or heat, physical therapy, and over-the-counter medication. You might need a splint or bandage to keep the ankle still while it heals.

Laser therapy can help by boosting natural healing. This painless treatment uses light energy to prompt tissues to repair themselves.

Your podiatrist might recommend surgery for more severe injuries, including fractures and tendon and ligament ruptures. They use minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to repair damaged bone and soft tissue and promote faster healing.

The Adler Foot and Ankle team helps you use preventive measures that reduce your risk of further sports injuries. For example, they might recommend warm-up exercises to minimize musculoskeletal stress. Custom-fitted orthotic insoles that support your feet and ankles can also help you avoid sports injuries.

Call Adler Foot and Ankle today or book an appointment online for specialized sports injury treatment.