Sports Injuries Specialist

What Are the Most Common Sports Injuries?

Sports injuries are very common. When athletes of any level train or compete in sports they put significant pressure and strain on their muscles, bones, and joints. Sports injuries often affect the foot and ankle as these body parts bear most of the strain in sporting and athletic activities ranging from jogging to skiing. Several injuries can be prevented or reduced when athletes follow the recommendations of the podiatrist. Some of the most common sports injuries include:

• Achilles bursitis
• Broken toes
• Bruised heels
• Bunions
• Calcaneal fracture
• Dislocated toes
• Hammer toe
• Hallux rigidus
• Midtarsal joint sprain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Stress fractures
• Tendonitis
• Turf Toe

When Should I See a Podiatrist for a Sports Injury?

If you are experiencing any of the following issues or symptoms you should make an appointment to see one of the doctors at the Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Jersey for diagnosis and treatment.

• Severe swelling
• Great discomfort, especially when walking
• Unable to perform typical everyday tasks after 3 days
• Sensations of pins and needles or loss of feeling in the foot or ankle

If you have used the RICE therapy of rest, ice, compression, and elevation to treat your injury at home without significant results and are either unable to walk after 3 days or the pain is not decreasing, you should see a make an appointment for professional medical assessment.

What Treatments Are Used for Sports Injuries?

Generally, the doctors at the Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Jersey will order x-rays, CT scans, or an MRI so that he or she can see the injury to properly diagnose and determine treatment. Non-surgical treatments usually used include immobilization with a boot or air case, rest, elevation, and NSAID pain medications such as ibuprofen. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy and using padding or splints for moderate injuries such as sprains or bunions. Some conditions such as fractures or very serious plantar fasciitis might require surgery. Surgery is usually a last resort because of the time necessary to recover in full. The podiatrists at the Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Jersey are board certified surgeons, so if surgery is necessary you are in good hands and they will use the minimally invasive or arthroscopic surgical techniques available.