Sports Related Injuries

Is it a Sprain or a Fracture? 

Sprains and fractures have similar symptoms, although sometimes with a sprain, the whole area hurts rather than just one point. Your podiatric physician will be able to diagnose which you have and provide appropriate treatment. Certain sprains or dislocations can be severely disabling. Without proper treatment they can lead to chronic problems.

Ankle Sprains 

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Anyone who injures an ankle requires prompt medical treatment, whether it's the first sprain or the fifth. Rest, ice, compression and elevation (R.I.C.E.) can reduce swelling and pain until the ankle can be evaluated and treated by your podiatric physician. A sprain may not always be a sprain; the ankle could be fractured. Many athletes develop chronic ankle instability from repeated ankle sprains, causing their ankle to frequently "give way." In some cases these players may require surgery. Early recognition and treatment of this problem will help speed your recovery from ankle ligament injuries. Proper rehabilitation of an ankle sprain reduces the likelihood of developing chronic ankle instability. 

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Athletes of all skill levels can reduce the risk for ankle sprains by following these three tips from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons: 

1. Perform warm-up stretches and exercises before playing sports.

2. Wear the right shoes for the sport. For example, don't wear running shoes for sports that involve a lot of side-to-side movement, such as tennis and basketball.

3. Wear an ankle brace if you're recovering from an injury or have repeatedly sprained your ankle.

Fractures

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• Calcaneal fractures - The calcaneus is the bone in heel. Calcaneus fractures can be severe injuries and often lead to problems of chronic pain in the foot. Treatment of a broken heel bone depends on the severity of the fracture

• Talus fracture - A talus fracture occurs when the talar bone, one of the important connections between the leg and the foot, is broken. The talus has cartilage that contributes to both the ankle and hind foot joints. A talus fracture often requires surgery, and even with surgical treatment, patients often have long term ankle problems such as arthritis.

• Metatarsal stress fracture - A metatarsal stress fracture is a common cause of foot pain, especially when people suddenly increase their activities. This type of injury, notorious in soldier recruits, is also called a "march fracture."

• Navicular fracture - A navicular stress fracture is an injury to the midfoot region below the ankle. Athletes who sustain a navicular stress fracture commonly complain of a vague pain in the midfoot that hurts during activity. Treatment of a navicular stress fractures is usually accomplished with a cast.

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Other Common Problems

 

• Achilles Tendonitis
  Achilles tendonitis is a painful condition of the tendon in the back of the ankle. Left untreated, Achilles tendonitis can lead to an increased risk of Achilles tendon rupture. 

• Plantar fasciitis
  Plantar fasciitis is a syndrome of heel pain due to inflammation of the thick ligament of the base of the foot.  A tight, inflamed plantar fascia can cause pain when walking or running, and lead to the formation of a heel spur. 

• Overpronation
  Pronation is a normal movement of the foot through the gait cycle. When this motion becomes excessive, overpronation can cause a variety by altering the normal mechanics of the gait cycle. Prescription orthotics can be helpful for overpronators. 

 

 

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