Sports Podiatry And Athletic Foot Injuries - Understanding Your Feet While Participating In Athletic

Playing any kind of sport can be strenuous on your body

, but your feet take the brunt of the stress. Sports podiatry looks at more than just the injury itself, it also analyzes the causes of the injuries and makes recommendations for orthotics and exercises designed to improve overall performance. Your feet are the foundation of everything you do, especially in sports. Whether you play team sports such as soccer or football, or participate in solo sports such as fitness walking, track, golf or tennis, the health of your feet is key to playing the best game and giving your best performance possible.

Could it be Shin Splints?

Shin splints refer to pain on either side of the leg bone that is caused by muscle or tendon inflammation. The problem is usually related to a collapsing arch, but may be caused by a muscle imbalance between opposing muscle groups in the leg. Proper stretching before and after exercise and sports, corrective shoes, or orthotics can help to prevent shin splints.

This condition usually occurs in both legs and can be alleviated by rest, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, icing, a change in training habits, stretching exercises, and properly fitted shoes. A foot and ankle surgeon can treat the condition, recommend proper shoe gear, and evaluate whether orthotics are needed. If not treated, shin splints may eventually result in a stress fracture of the shinbone.

Ankle Sprains are Far Too Common

Ankle sprains are caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones of the foot, which may result in excessive stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle. If not properly treated, ankle sprains may develop into long-term problems. Primary symptoms of ankle sprains are pain following a twist or injury, swelling, and bruising.

Treatment includes resting and elevating the ankle and applying ice to reduce swelling. Compressive bandages also may be used to immobilize and support the injury during healing. Serious ankle sprains, particularly among competitive athletes, may require surgery to repair and tighten the damaged ligaments.

To prevent ankle sprains, try to maintain strength, balance, and flexibility in the foot and ankle through exercise and stretching, and wearing well-fitted shoes.

Foot and Ankle Fractures Happen, Too

Fractures, or broken bones, of the foot and ankle are common injuries. Because our feet and ankles are necessary for walking, it is important to properly treat fractures. The ankle is a joint that forms where three bones come together. The bones of the lower leg, the tibia and the fibula, are above the joint, and the talus is below the joint. A broken ankle typically refers to a broken bone of the tibia or fibula. The foot itself contains 26 bones. When one of these bones is fractured, your foot is considered broken.

Bones typically break when something crushes, bends, twists, or stretches the bone. Most bones break suddenly during an accident or direct injury. Occasionally, small cracks can form in bones over a long period of time from repeated stress on the bones. These are called stress fractures. Fractures are typically characterized by:*Pain *Swelling*Bruising*Deformity*Inability to walk or difficulty walkingContact your podiatrist in Hackettstown and Parsippany for more information on sports injuries and how you can further protect your feet and ankles from injuries. by: Gen Wright

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