Ankle and foot injuries are among the most common injuries athletes experience. The physical demands of sports that require running, jumping, or sudden stops and starts can put a lot of strain on your lower extremities. Whether it's a sprained ankle or a stress fracture, foot and ankle injuries can keep athletes from participating in their favorite activities.
Here at Concord Podiatry, board-certified podiatrist Dr. David E. Biss provides comprehensive podiatric sports medicine, which includes treating a range of sports injuries that affect the foot and ankle. If you’re injured in sport, you can rely on Dr. Biss to help you recover and get back in the game as quickly and safely as possible.
The first step in treating any injury is diagnosing it accurately. Dr. Biss examines your foot or ankle, asks about your symptoms, and may order imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs if necessary. Based on the results, Dr. Biss creates a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
One of the most common foot injuries athletes experience is an ankle sprain, which occurs when ankle joint ligaments are stretched or torn. An ankle sprain can range from mild to severe, and it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to heal. Other common sports-related foot and ankle injuries include stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis.
The treatment for your foot or ankle injury depends on the type of problem and its severity. For mild overuse injuries, treatment usually involves a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
RICE is an effective first-line treatment for many types of foot and ankle injuries. Resting the affected area can help reduce swelling and inflammation, while ice can help reduce pain and swelling. Compression and elevation also help reduce swelling and promote healing.
Dr. Biss may recommend physical therapy to improve mobility and strength in the affected area. Physical therapy helps improve range of motion, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage and restore function.
Once your injury has healed, rehabilitation helps restore full function to the affected area. Rehabilitation programs typically include stretching and strengthening exercises along with balance training to help you regain range of motion and strength.
One of the most important aspects of rehabilitation is gradual progression. It's important to start with low-impact exercises and gradually increase the intensity and duration of the exercises as your strength and mobility improve. Overdoing it too soon can lead to reinjury or delay the healing process, keeping you on the sidelines longer.
Dr. Biss works with you to identify any underlying issues that may have contributed to your injury, such as improper training, poor footwear, or overuse. He may also recommend preventive measures such as orthotics or exercises to help you avoid future injuries.
Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts designed to help correct foot and ankle alignment issues. They also work to distribute pressure more evenly across your foot and reduce the risk of developing future foot and ankle injuries.
Exercises are also helpful in preventing future injuries. Strengthening exercises that target supporting muscles and ligaments in your foot and ankle can help improve stability and reduce your risk of reinjury.
Foot and ankle injuries can be frustrating for athletes, but with the help of a sports medicine podiatrist, you can recover. From diagnosis to rehabilitation, Dr. Biss provides personalized care tailored to each patient's specific needs. By focusing on both treatment and prevention, Dr. Biss can help athletes avoid future injuries and stay in the game for years to come.
If you've experienced a foot or ankle injury, don't let it keep you on the sidelines. Call the Concord Podiatry team today to get the care you need and get back to doing what you love. Prospective and current patients can also send us a text at 351-777-6056.
