Sports Medicine
Over 1 million people every year experience foot and ankle injuries that land them in the hospital. From minor foot conditions to complex joint problems, foot and ankle injuries can range in severity and treatment plans. The award-winning podiatrists at SynergyHealth Foot & Ankle have the experience, training and compassion to effectively treat your injury and get you back up and on your feet in no time.
Treating Sports Injuries
Running, walking, and impact aerobic exercise or activities can be particularly jarring to the feet. In fact, aerobic impacts can result in forces of up to six times the force of gravity. Whether you’re an active runner, a basketball star, an ice skater, a gymnast, or enjoy any other type of physical activity, you’re frequently putting stress on your feet and ankles. Sports and sports training can cause foot injuries due to the impact, sudden movements, repetitive motions, overuse, and constrictive footwear.
When these injuries occur, it’s important for athletes to seek out a trusted sports injury doctor to ensure proper care, as not all doctors and physicians are trained in sports medicine. For example, treating a stress fracture in the foot or ankle requires a certified and trained sports medicine doctor to ensure the injury is not only treated correctly but heals well so the patient can continue sports-related activities.
- Achilles tendon repair
- Ankle instability surgery
- Ankle sprains
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Fractures
- Heel pain treatment
- Orthotics for feet
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Stress fractures
- Tendinitis
Sports Injury Prevention
Certain sports injuries can be prevented with:
Proper footwear
Participating athletes all too often wear improper sneakers or cleats. Wearing the proper sneakers is a top precaution to guard against foot and ankle injuries. Sneakers should fit properly, minimize lateral instability, and have cushion and support to absorb shock and reduce pressure. Stretching before and after physical activity is also key to keeping injuries at bay.
Stretching before playing
Many athletes do not stretch nearly enough before and after games, practices, and workouts. These conditions can lead to foot and ankle injuries.
Listening to your body
Although there may be a big game coming up, or a race you’ve been training for, it’s important to always listen to your body when it communicates pain or irritation. Addressing a potential or minor injury before it results in a severe or even permanent problem is better all around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to be an athlete to benefit from a sports medicine evaluation or clinic appointment?
Not necessarily. Podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle problems that relate to the bones, muscles, and joints in the area. Foot and ankle injuries that happen by accident due to a trip or fall are very similar in scope to those injuries that occur during a sports-related activity.
What makes a podiatrist qualified to treat sports-related injuries?
As part of their residency and schooling, podiatrists are well versed in the management of sports injuries.