Sports Injuries Specialist

What are sports injuries?

Sports injuries describe common injuries experienced while playing sports. These injuries might be acute and develop after a traumatic injury. You might also develop chronic pain due to overuse of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your feet and ankles.

If left untreated, sports injuries in your feet can lead to ongoing issues that affect your ability to play sports and stay physically active. The team at South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers offer comprehensive care for a variety of common sports injuries, including:

• Shin splints
• Muscle strains
• Ankle sprains
• Stress fractures
• Plantar fasciitis

The physicians also address blisters and ulcers that can form on your feet after injuries or irritation from your footwear.

When should I seek treatment for sports injuries?

The providers at South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers recommend scheduling a diagnostic evaluation following any sports injury. This ensures that there are no underlying issues that need medical attention. If you do have an injury, early intervention increases your chances for healing fully.

You should also schedule an appointment if you have symptoms of a sports injury that aren’t getting better, even with rest and home care, or if you have pain that worsens even with treatment.

Waiting too long for an evaluation can cause additional complications that might prevent you from returning to your favorite sport.

How are sports injuries diagnosed?

South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers offer on-site X-rays and other diagnostic imaging tests to evaluate the type and severity of your injury.

The podiatry team also spends time reviewing your medical history, your activities, and your mobility to determine what treatment options are right for you. Once they understand your condition, they customize a treatment plan that focuses on relieving inflammation and pain and helping you heal fully.

How are sports injuries treated?

The initial treatment for conditions like muscle sprains and joint sprains typically involves the R.I.C.E. method – rest, icing, compression, and elevation of your ankle or foot.

If these methods aren’t enough to relieve swelling and pain, your provider might prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to make it easier to stretch or begin physical therapy.

If you have a stress fracture, you might benefit from wearing a brace that limits movement in your foot and ankle. If the fracture is severe, you may need surgery to repair it.

The podiatry team also offers resources to reduce your risk for additional sports injuries in your feet and ankles. They can recommend exercises that keep your soft tissues strong and flexible to prevent overuse injuries when you return to your favorite sports.

Call the South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers nearest you to schedule a consultation for sports injuries or book an appointment online today. You can also visit the center as a walk-in if you need immediate treatment.