At Franklin Foot Care, we see a variety of people with sports injuries. However, injuries are not only for professional athletes, but they can happen to anyone participating in physical activity. Injuries are overuse issues, which cause strain to the tissue and can occur if you are very active and on your feet for a long length of time. There are a variety of conditions or situations that can create a sports related type injury.
Common sports related injuries include:
- Tendonitis
- Tendon or partial tears
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Capsulitis
- Arthritis
Symptoms associated with sports related injuries include:
- Pain in legs, ankles and feet
- Decreased strength in leg muscles
- Impaired mobility
You do not necessarily have to stop your activities if you acquire a sports injury. However, if it is very painful and crippling for you to continue the activity, then we would recommend you stop and call Franklin Foot Care for an appointment.
Treatment
We have a variety of treatment options for sports related injuries and treat them aggressively. First we stop the condition which causes the pathology, and we will get rid of the inflammation that the pathology has caused. If needed, we will take an x-ray of the area injured. Treatment will depend upon your condition and may include strapping, arch support, orthotic inserts, icing, anti-inflammatories and sometimes injections. Ultimately, we would want to provide support the foot properly so the pain and symptoms do not come back.
How to Prevent Injuries
Footwear plays a big role in sports related injuries. You can prevent injuries by properly supporting the arch of your foot, giving the foot proper support and not wearing shoes where the lateral support has broken down. Once you wear an old shoe there is less support, and the foot is not kept in the correct position. Sometimes if a shoe is broken down, even with an orthotic, it might not be capable of doing its job because the support of the shoe is not there. It is important to wear the proper shoe gear with the orthotic in it, which decreases your chances of reinjuring the area.
Make note that there are different styles of shoes for your activities. There are shoes for cross-trainers, running, and basketball. Shoes come in high-top, mid-top and low-top. Your shoe will depend upon the activity as you may need more ankle support so high-top shoes would be better in that instance.
Call Our Office
If you are struggling with sports related injuries, please do not hesitate to contact Franklin Foot Care. Our podiatrists have a variety of experience in treating athlete’s and non athletes. You will be able to get a thorough examination and a treatment plan prepared for your issue.