Sports Injuries Specialist

What are the most common foot and ankle sports injuries?

Physical activity is good for your health; however, accidents happen. Though you can injure any body part when playing a sport, your feet and ankles are most susceptible to sports injuries because of the stress they endure during physical activity.

Types of foot and ankle sports injuries include:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Ankle sprains
• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel pain
• Ankle fractures
• Foot fractures
• Stress fractures
• Bruised heel
• Ankle instability

The sports injury experts at Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates see a lot of athletes, especially basketball and soccer players, with ankle sprains. Failing to get the proper care for an ankle sprain may increase your risk of developing chronic ankle problems. 

When do I need medical care for sports injuries?

The Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates team recommends you schedule an appointment with the podiatry experts right away. Delaying care for your sports injury may worsen your condition, slow healing, and prolong your recovery. 

It’s especially important to seek care for your sports injury if it causes severe pain, swelling, or a noticeable deformity. 

Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates offers emergency podiatry care to help you get treatment for your sports injury as quickly as possible. 

What happens during a consultation for sports injuries?

The podiatrists at Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates conduct comprehensive evaluations when you come in with a sports injury involving your foot or ankle.

Your podiatrist asks detailed questions about your injury, including when and how it happened and your symptoms. They also ask about your sport and workout routine.

Your podiatrist examines your feet and ankle, checking your range of motion and looking for areas of tenderness. They may also request X-rays to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. 

How are sports injuries treated?

Your podiatrist creates a personalized treatment plan for your sports injury based on injury type and severity of symptoms. Treatment may include:

• Activity modification
• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Bracing, splinting, or casting
• Physical therapy
• Home foot stretching and strengthening exercises
• Custom-made orthotics
• Change in footwear

When nonsurgical treatments fail to improve your foot injury, the team may suggest surgical intervention. If you have an Achilles rupture or complex foot or ankle fracture, the team may start with surgery. 

Most importantly, the podiatrists at Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates work closely with you to prevent a recurrence of your sports injury, recommending specific shoe wear and exercises to better support your feet and ankles during physical activity.

Sports injuries to your feet or ankles benefit from expert care at Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates. Call or schedule a consultation online today.