What are sports injuries?

Sports injuries is an umbrella term used to describe any type of injury that occurs as a result of playing sports or participating in physical activity. Though it’s possible to injure any part of your body while playing sports, this term usually refers to musculoskeletal problems, such as sprained ankles, fractures, and contusions.

Most sports injuries are acute, meaning they occur suddenly and without warning. Common symptoms associated with sports injuries include pain, swelling, and an inability to put weight on the affected foot or ankle.

If I experience a sports injury, what should I do?

If you experience a sports injury, it’s important to stop what you’re doing right away. Continuing to play through pain or discomfort may cause further damage and increase your risk of needing surgery.

If you twist your ankle or strain a muscle, conservative measures of care such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE protocol) may ease swelling and provide relief. However, if your symptoms persist or they get worse and prevent you from putting weight on your affected foot or ankle, it’s important to seek treatment from a qualified professional like those at Foot and Ankle Wellness Center.

What type of sports injuries do you treat?

The team at Foot and Ankle Wellness Center diagnoses and treats sports injuries that affect the feet and ankles, including:

Sprained ankles

An ankle sprain occurs when you twist, roll, or step down on your ankle in an awkward way. A group of thick, fibrous ligaments surrounds your ankle joint. If these ligaments become stretched or overextended, they develop small tears, which causes swelling, bruising, and general discomfort.

Fractures

Each of your ankles contains three bones, and your feet feature 33 bones apiece. If you drop a heavy object on your foot, step in a hole, or suffer a crush injury, you might also experience a fracture.

Contusions

A contusion is a medical term used to describe a bruise. Common symptoms associated with bone contusions, or bone bruises, include stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and trouble bending or twisting the affected joint.

How are sports injuries treated?

No two sports injuries are exactly alike. However, the podiatry team at Foot and Ankle Wellness Center uses integrative, conservative measures of care whenever possible.

If you suffer a moderate sprain or stress fracture, she might recommend a splint, brace, soft or hard cast. Make sure to follow your podiatrist’s instructions carefully. If they ask you to use crutches or a wheelchair, heed their advice. Casting and braces usually provide results within six to eight weeks. If your pain or mobility issues still exist, your podiatrist might recommend surgical intervention.

To learn more about treatment for sports injuries, make an appointment at Foot and Ankle Wellness Center today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.