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What Are Common Foot and Ankle Sports Injuries?
Injuries to the feet and ankles that occur during sports often include sprains, strains, Achilles tendon ruptures and fractures of the foot or ankle. Sports injuries are more common in children and young adults, but can happen to anyone at any age. Injuries occur more frequently during team sports like football and basketball, and many times are a result of a failure to stretch or warm up properly.
When Should You See a Specialist?
It is often recommended to use the R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) approach to treat minor sports injuries, especially in the first two to three days after the injury occurs. However, if injuries look or feel severe, with visible lumps or bumps, pain, instability or popping or crunching sounds when the joint moves, make an appointment or see an urgent care provider for examination and treatment.
Treatment for Sports Injuries
During an examination, your podiatrist will examine the injury, check the range of motion, and may order X-rays or other imaging scans to determine the extent of the injury. They will then review your treatment options with you, and may prescribe medication to help manage pain or devices such as crutches to help you move about. As the injury heals, physical therapy and/or exercises may be recommended to restore motion, strength and flexibility.
Serious injuries may require surgery followed by periods of physical therapy and/or rehabilitative exercise.
Gait Analysis
Gait analysis is a tool that the foot and ankle specialists at South Shore Foot and Ankle use to help identify posture-related or movement-related problems in people with injuries and to help athletes run more efficiently. Your podiatrist can discuss the potential benefits of gait analysis with you as it relates to your treatment needs.