Sports Injuries Specialist

What are sports injuries?

Sports injuries occur during physical activity, like running, lifting weights, or doing other types of exercise. Anyone who leads an active lifestyle can experience a sports injury, but you’re especially susceptible if you don’t warm up or play contact sports and fail to wear the proper safety equipment.

What are some examples of common sports injuries?

The experienced podiatrists at Tussey Mountain Foot & Ankle Specialists treat various types of sports injuries, including:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Tendonitis
• Dislocations
• Plantar fasciitis

You might also benefit from sports injury treatment if you twist your ankle and experience a fracture.

When should I see a specialist about a sports injury?

Make an appointment with the providers at Tussey Mountain Foot & Ankle Specialists if you experience an injury while playing sports and you’re unable to place weight on the affected foot or ankle. That’s especially true if there’s visible swelling or bruising. Even if the injury doesn’t turn out to be serious, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

How are sports injuries diagnosed?

To diagnose a sports injury, your provider at Tussey Mountain Foot & Ankle Specialists asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, if it extends to other parts of your body, and what you were doing when you first noticed it.

Next, your provider has you remove your shoes and socks and carefully examines your foot, ankle, and lower leg. Depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing, they might ask you to walk around the exam room or perform a series of easy exercises. Your provider might also assess your range of motion, muscle strength, and flexibility.

If your podiatrist suspects you have a fracture or a sprain, they order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an MRI. These procedures can determine the severity of your injury and help guide treatment.

How are sports injuries treated?

Treatment of sports injuries depends on various factors, including the severity of your symptoms and how the injury affects your daily routine. Usually, the providers at Tussey Mountain Foot & Ankle Specialists recommend conservative treatments, like:

• Ice and heat therapy
• Rest
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Custom orthotics
• Immobilization with a cast or a splint
• Activity modification

If you experience a traumatic injury, like a broken bone or a ruptured tendon, your provider might recommend orthopedic surgery. 

To learn more about the treatment options for sports injuries, make an appointment at Tussey Mountain Foot & Ankle Specialists by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.