Sports-related injuries should be addressed promptly to avoid further complications. A podiatrist can not only treat sports injuries, but they can also work with the athlete to reduce their risk of future injury.
When injuries are addressed early, it can prevent a more severe problem from occurring in the future. A podiatrist can also recommend the best ways to reduce damage to the foot and ankle.
Our team at Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists offers a range of treatment options for sports-related injuries. After an in-depth consultation with our highly-trained podiatrists and doctors, we can build a comprehensive podiatry treatment plan that is right for you.
Common Sports Injuries
Sports injuries can occur during games, practice, or during warm-up or cool down. It is vital to practice sports safely and take preventive measures to avoid damage. However, sometimes that isn’t enough, and injuries can occur. Some of the most common sports-related injuries include:
- Turf toe (toe sprain)
- Joint sprain or fracture
- Runner’s knee
- Abrasion or blister
- Muscle strain or tear
- Sprained ankle
- Ingrown toenail or nail bruising
It is important to stay rested after a sports-related injury to promote proper healing. In some cases, if an injury does not properly heal, it can worsen the injury and result in advanced complications. Our doctors at Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists can work with you to build a comprehensive treatment plan that can restore function and balance to the affected area.
How do I know if I have a sports injury?
Sport injury symptoms can vary from patient to patient. Symptoms may start mild and progress over a few days or produce severe symptoms from the moment of injury. Sports injury symptoms may include one or more of the following:
- Swelling, bruising, or inflammation
- Pain or discomfort when applying pressure to the affected area
- Joint instability
- Tenderness, pain, or tingling around the injury
If you suspect you have developed a sports injury, please contact our doctors at Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists. We can perform a full evaluation and determine the best course of action.
How are sports injuries treated?
We take a multidisciplinary approach to treating sports injuries. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, inflammation, promote proper healing, and strengthen the affected area. We aim to treat sports injuries as conservatively as possible to achieve high-quality, long-lasting results. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following solutions:
- Bracing, casting, or splinting
- Corticosteroid injections
- Prescription orthotics
- Shoe recommendations
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
In advanced cases, when you have a complete tendon or ligament tear, or a broken bone or fracture, our team may recommend surgical repair. We offer both comprehensive pre and post-operative care to ensure our patients are comfortable throughout all phases of their care.
What are the most common injuries to the foot in athletes?
The most common foot injuries among athletes are issues with the Achilles tendon, stress fractures, sprained ankles, and heel spur. Stretching can prevent some of these, but many occur due to contact and cannot be prevented.
How can foot injuries be prevented?
Foot injuries can be prevented by warming up prior to extreme physical exercise. Knowing your body and its capabilities is a good way to prevent injury. Wearing shoes that mold to your feet and protect your ankles. Also watching wear you step when walking in crowded or uneven spaces is a good way to be cautious, stable, and secure in each step you take.
Can you wiggle your toes if your foot is broken?
A good way to tell if a bone is broken is to test the mobility of the area. If you are unable to move or wiggle your toes it is very likely that a bone in your foot or above is broken. Lack of mobility is a large sign of broken bones.
Schedule A Consultation at Newtown Foot & Ankle Specialists
If you would like to have a sports injury evaluation in Newtown, PA, visit our team at Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our podiatry office in Bucks County offers a range of treatment options for sports injuries. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call 215.234.3772 or request an appointment online.