Sports injuries are a common problem, affecting more than 3.5 million Americans every year. You don’t have to be a high-level athlete to suffer a sports injury or to seek the best possible treatment for an injury. We treat youth athletes, competitive athletes of all ages, and recreational adult athletes in our Annapolis-area clinics, and we would be happy to assess your injury and come up with an effective treatment plan.
At Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center, our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating sports injuries, including stress fractures, ankle sprains, and Achilles tendon injuries.
What Are Sports Injuries?
Sports injuries occur during exercise or other types of physical activity. They affect people of all ages but are especially common in children and teens because their bodies are still growing. You’re also more likely to suffer a sports injury if you live a sedentary lifestyle, fail to warm up before exercise, or play contact sports. Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center diagnosis and treats various sports injuries, including:
- Stress fractures
- Achilles tendonitis
- Ankle sprains
- Strains
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Swollen muscles
- Dislocations
You might also benefit from sports injury treatment if you develop a neuroma, a plantar plate injury, or turf toe.
When Should I See a Podiatrist About a Sports Injury?
Most sports injuries respond to conservative at-home treatments like ice, rest, elevation, and over-the-counter pain medication. However, some injuries require more extensive care. Make an appointment at Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe swelling
- Pain
- Visible lumps, bumps, or other deformities
- Weakness
- Instability
You should also seek professional help if your injury makes it difficult to move or place weight on your affected foot or ankle.
How Are Sports Injuries Diagnosed?
To diagnose sports injuries, our podiatrists will review your medical history and asks about your symptoms, including their severity, if any activities make them worse, and when they first started. Your provider will also test your reflexes, muscle strength, gait, and posture.
If a physical exam isn’t enough to identify the source of your discomfort, your provider may order diagnostic imaging like X-rays, an MRI, or a bone scan. These measures provide detailed photos of your bones, joints, and soft tissues.
How Are Sports Injuries Treated?
Treatment of sports injuries depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center usually recommends conservative treatments like ice, rest, physical therapy, and custom orthotics. You might also benefit from more supportive footwear, splints, or activity modifications. If your sports injury persists or worsens, surgical intervention may be necessary. Our board-certified surgeons offer both reconstructive and minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery.
How Can I Prevent Sports Injuries?
There’s no way to prevent sports injuries entirely, but there are things you can do to lower your risk. We recommend practicing good posture, using the proper equipment, and easing into new activities. It’s important to listen to your body. If you experience any pain or stiffness, take it easy. Continuing to work out could lead to an accident or injury.
We Are Committed to Getting Athletes Back in the Game at Our Annapolis Podiatry Office
At Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center, we see hundreds of competitive and recreational athletes every year for foot and ankle problems that range from mild to severe. We work with our patients to develop a treatment plan that addresses their issue in the short term while allowing them to continue to be active and competitive for years to come. To further explore treatment for podiatric sports injuries, make an appointment at one of our clinics in Annapolis, Stevensville, or Glen Burnie today.
Our goal is to treat your injury with the most conservative methods available; however, with over 30 years of providing foot and ankle care in Central Maryland, our board-certified surgeons are experts at reconstructive or minimally invasive surgery when necessary.
