Foot and Ankle

About 30 million children participate in organized sports in the United States. Out of that number, about 3.5 million of them sustain sports-related injuries every year. Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, there is always the risk of sustaining an injury. Here in this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about sports injuries and how we can help you with recovery.

Importance of Proper Care

It’s important to seek proper medical care after sustaining a sports-related injury. If you have sustained an injury to your foot or ankle, consult with our podiatrists. They are experts in the field of foot and ankle medicine and can help you with everything from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation.

Our doctors will find the source of the injury and prescribe the best possible treatment available today.  We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that will get you back on your feet in no time. It is important to follow the doctor’s orders and refrain from activities that may exacerbate the injury.

Different Types of Sports Injuries

There are many different types of sports injuries of the foot and ankle that we treat at Southern California Foot & Ankle Specialists. Some of the most common include:

Sprains

Sprains are one of the most common types of sports injuries. They occur when the ligaments that support a joint are stretched or torn. An ankle sprain is the most common type, which often happens during activities involving sudden changes in direction, such as football, basketball, or soccer.

Breaks or Fractures

A break or fracture is a more serious injury that occurs when a bone is cracked or completely broken. These injuries can be a result of a fall, direct blow, or excessive force on the foot or ankle. They typically require immediate medical attention and may necessitate surgery.

Achilles Tendon Injuries

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. These tendon injuries often occur as a result of overuse or sudden force, such as when someone pushes off to make a jump shot in basketball. Achilles tendinitis is the most common condition and results from the inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

Preventive Care Recommendations for Sports Injuries

There are several things you can do to prevent sports injuries.

• Warm up properly before participating in any physical activity.
• Wear the proper safety gear needed for the sport you are playing, as well as the personal protective gear you might need to protect certain areas you have injured before (i.e. ankle or knee braces).
• Stay hydrated before, during, and after physical activity.
• Listen to your body. If you are feeling pain or discomfort, stop and rest
• Take the time to cool down properly after the game by stretching your muscles. This will not only help prevent future injuries but help with preventing some soreness.

Treatment Options for Sports Injuries

The treatment for a sports injury will depend on the type and severity of the injury. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) will be recommended in most cases. This will help to reduce pain and swelling. 

If the injury is more severe, you should consult with our doctors on what they would think would help. They may recommend physical therapy or massage. In some cases, surgery may be necessary as the best treatment path.

Contact Us

At Southern California Foot & Ankle Specialists, we are experts in the field of foot and ankle medicine. We can help you with everything from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation. 

Contact us today by calling (949) 364-9255 (WALK) or by filling out our online form to schedule an appointment. We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that will get you back on your feet in no time.