Repetitive stress on the feet can cause chronic pain that diminishes your mobility and quality of life. At North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists in Gainesville and Lake City, Florida, Joshua Epstein, DPM, AACFAS, FACPM, and Sarina Epstein, DPM, AACFAS, diagnose and treat a wide range of sports injuries in children and adults. If foot pain affects your ability to play sports comfortably, call North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists today.
What are sports injuries?
Sports injuries occur during physical activity. While anybody can develop a sports injury, athletes are particularly vulnerable to foot and ankle damage. The foot and ankle surgeons at North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists treat sports injuries in individuals of all ages, including children.
According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), children who play outdoor sports are at an increased risk of foot and ankle injuries, particularly if they participate in field activities.
Which activities cause sports injuries?
Any type of sport can cause injuries, but activities that require plenty of running and footwork can be especially harmful to the feet and ankles. Common activities that can cause sports injuries in children and adults include:
Soccer
Soccer is extremely stressful for the feet and ankles. Running, side-to-side cutting, sliding, striking the ball, and colliding with another player all increase your risk of injury.
Softball and baseball
While softball and baseball don’t always require extensive running, these sports can cause wear and tear on the feet and ankles. Running, fielding balls, and sliding into bases increase your risk of ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability. Meanwhile, poor-fitting cleats can lead to foot deformities, such as hammertoes, neuromas, and bunions.
Basketball
Basketball requires constant running, jumping, cutting, and quick starts that put pressure on the feet and ankles. That’s why basketball players are particularly prone to ankle sprains, stress fractures, and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD).
Other sports that commonly lead to repetitive injuries include lacrosse, rugby, hockey, football, and tennis. If you play any type of sport that involves running or jumping, it’s important to take precautions and wear the proper footwear to avoid injury.
How are sports injuries diagnosed?
Evaluating your feet and ankles is the first step in diagnosing a sports injury. Your foot and ankle surgeon at North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists asks questions regarding your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and manipulates your feet and ankles to make an accurate diagnosis. In addition, they may order additional tests, such as X-rays.
What are the treatments for sports injuries?
How your foot and ankle surgeon treats your sports injury depends on its location and severity. Common sports injury treatments that North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists offers include:
- Immobilization (bracing, splinting, casting, etc.)
- Custom-made orthotics
- Shoe modifications
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
- Regenerative medicine
- Surgery
The foot and ankle surgeons at North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists are experts in performing minimally invasive surgery to restore mobility after a sports injury.
To learn more about sports injuries, call North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists today.