WHAT CAUSES A SPORTS INJURY?
Your ankles and feet provide support and mobility for your entire body. When you lead an active lifestyle, it’s easy to injure them from either strain or repetitive activity.
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Sports injuries usually affect the ligaments, tendons, or muscles that connect your bones and joints.
Several factors that contribute to sports injuries in the feet and ankles include:
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Ankle rolling: Rotation of the ankle when the foot comes in contact with the ground.
Foot structure: High arches or flat feet create an awkward gait leading to strain.
Overuse: Common in long-distance runners.
Improper training: Exercising too hard or fast before your body is ready.
Wearing footwear that’s worn out or not suited for the activity you’re participating in can also lead to injury.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SPORTS INJURIES IN FEET?
A foot injury can be the result of trauma sustained during high-impact sports or because of repetitive stress in the area. Common foot and ankle sports injuries include:
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Fractures: Breaks, cracks, or bruises in your bones
Sprains and strains: Injuries to your ligaments or soft tissues
Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons connecting muscle to bone
Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of your plantar fascia ligament
Shin splints: Inflammation of the muscle and bone along your tibia
HOW ARE SPORTS INJURIES DIAGNOSED AND TREATED?
During a physical exam, Dr. Galoyan evaluates your injury and might perform digital imaging to look for damage to your bones, ligaments, and muscles. An on-site digital X-ray is available for immediate use.
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If your sports injury is mild, Dr. Galoyan might first recommend the PRICE approach: protect, rest, ice, compress, and elevate the injury to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. He might also suggest over-the-counter pain relievers to ease your symptoms.
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For other injuries, Dr. Galoyan provides several treatment options, depending on your specific condition. These might include:
Customized braces or orthotics to reduce pain and improve mobility
Biomechanical correction to improve the alignment and mechanics of your foot
Steroid injection to relieve pain and inflammation
Surgery to repair fractures or severe tissue damage
Call Metropolitan Podiatry for more information, or schedule an appointment online to learn about treatment options for sports injuries.