Sports Medicine Specialist

What are the Most Common Sports Injuries?

Sports injuries affect the foot and ankle and can occur when partaking in any type of athletic or sports activity where there is a risk of trauma or atypical stress to the area The most commonly experienced 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

Several injuries can be prevented or reduced when athletes adhere the recommendations of the podiatrist. Wearing the proper shoes, strengthening the muscles around the joint and stretching and warming up appropriately can aid in many impediments.

When Should I See a Podiatrist?

If you are experiencing any of the following issues or symptoms you should make an appointment to see Dr. Patel 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 employed the RICE therapy of rest, ice, compression, and elevation to address the injury without significant results and are either unable to walk after 3 days or the pain is not reducing, you should see a doctor. Additionally, if weakness persists for longer than 14 days you should also come in.

What Treatments Are Used for Sports Injuries?

Generally, Dr. Patel will order X-rays and may order a CT scan or an MRI so that he can see th inner workings of the injured body part to properly diagnose and determine treatment.  Non-surgical treatments usually used include:

• An immobilizing boot can be employed.
• Resting the foot and applying ice regularly while elevating the appendage can help mild to moderate injuries heal.
• NSAID pain medications such as ibuprofen can be utilized to minimize swelling as well as prescribed pain relievers.

Physical therapy and using padding or splints can also help with 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.