Sidelined by a Sports Injury? A Podiatrist Will Get You Back in the Game
Even the most enthusiastic athletes can find themselves sidelined by overuse injuries! And your feet and ankles, the foundation for all your movement, are particularly vulnerable.
Here at Sole Focus, we take a holistic yet modern approach to treating these issues. In the blog below, we’ll lay out the most common sports injuries we resolve, how we do so, and which options might make sense for your unique needs.
2 Injuries Every Athlete Knows
1. Foot fractures can range from small stress fractures to complete breaks.
- They often occur from repetitive stress, sudden impacts, or improper footwear.
- Pain, swelling, and bruising are common symptoms.
- Depending on the severity, you might experience difficulty walking or putting weight on the foot.
2. Tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon, the tissue that connects muscles to bone.
- It’s caused by overuse, tight muscles, or poor biomechanics.
- Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and stiffness, especially at the start of activity.
- Runners often experience Achilles tendonitis in the heel, while basketball players might develop peroneal tendonitis on the outside of the ankle.
How a Podiatrist Can Help:
A podiatrist can diagnose your injury through a physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds.
- For fractures, a podiatrist can recommend casting, a walking boot, or even surgery, depending on the severity.
- Treatment for tendonitis focuses on reducing inflammation and promoting healing. This may involve physical therapy exercises, custom orthotics to improve biomechanics, or ultrasound guided injections.
The Road to Recovery:
Recovery times vary depending on the injury’s severity.
- Fractures can take weeks or months to heal completely, while tendonitis may resolve within a few weeks with proper treatment.
- A podiatrist will guide you through a rehabilitation program tailored to your injury and sport.
At Sole Focus, your program might involve strengthening exercises, stretching routines, or a gradual return to activity. Regardless, you can rest assured that it’s tailored to your feet and your needs!
Are you seeking treatment for a foot or ankle concern? Schedule an appointment today. The team at Sole Focus Foot and Ankle in Marlton, NJ, would be pleased to assist you.
