Pain, swelling, and tenderness in your feet or ankles may be the first signs of an injury. For all types of mild to severe injuries in your feet and ankles, see the podiatric team at Healthy Step Podiatry in Midtown East and the Financial District in New York City. Vito La Puma, DPM, and their team offer personalized treatments for all types of sports injuries so you can get back to your favorite activities as quickly as possible. Have your injury evaluated by calling or booking an appointment online today.
What are the most common types of sports injuries that affect the feet and ankles?
All sports can affect the feet and ankles, either making them stronger and more flexible for sports-specific activities, or making you more prone to certain types of injuries. The most common sports injuries to the feet and ankles include:
- Ankle sprains
- Achilles tendon disorders
- Heel pain and heel spurs
- Morton’s neuroma
- Stress fractures
- Plantar fasciitis
The main two causes of sports injuries are direct trauma to the feet and ankles and overuse or repetitive motions.
What are the warning signs of a foot or ankle injury?
Warnings signs for sports injuries vary widely depending on the location and severity of your symptoms. General warning signs to look out for include:
- Pain, tenderness, or discomfort in the foot or ankle
- Stiffness or decreased range of motion
- Swelling or bruising
- Pain that’s worse with movement
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Pain that travels from your foot into your leg
- Numbness and tingling in your foot or toes
If you suspect that you’ve sustained a foot or ankle injury, see the podiatric team at Healthy Step Podiatry as soon as possible for an exam.
How are sports injuries diagnosed?
In order to diagnose your injury properly, the team begins with a consultation about your injury or trauma to your foot or ankle, along with the symptoms you’re experiencing. Your provider then examines the injured area and may move it through a range of motion, check blood flow to the area, or test your nerve function.
If necessary, your provider may take X-rays in the office or refer you for an MRI. Based on their findings, the team explains your diagnosis and what steps can be taken to treat your injury and get you back to your favorite sports or exercise routine.
What is the treatment for sports injuries?
Treatments for sports injuries vary depending on your diagnosis and the severity of your injury. For mild to moderate injuries, the team may recommend:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Bracing or orthotics
- Over-the-counter or prescription medications to relieve pain and inflammation
- Physical therapy
For moderate to severe injuries, including fractures, dislocations, and ligament or muscle tears, surgery may be needed to help your foot or ankle heal properly. If this is the case, the team explains what to expect during and after the procedure and how long recovery may take.
Schedule an exam for your sports injury at Healthy Step Podiatry now by calling or clicking the online booking tool.