Sports Injuries

In college athletes, 27% of all injuries occur in the foot and ankle and frequently lead to time away from the game. Amir Azer, DPM, and the team at Total Foot and Ankle Care have years of experience diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating sports injuries. They help each patient regain optimal strength and get back on the game as quickly as possible. To receive treatment for a sports injury, call the office in Hurst or Dallas, Texas, or request an appointment online today.

What sports injuries commonly affect the foot and ankle?

Foot and ankle injuries frequently occur in anyone who’s active, especially if you’re engaged in competitive sports where you undergo more intense training. Getting early treatment for a sports injury is important to ensure you heal properly and prevent complications like chronic ankle instability.

Some sports are associated with specific injuries. For example, turf toe is common in football, soccer, and wrestling. Runners are vulnerable to Achilles tendinitis and heel pain, while hockey players often suffer ankle sprains and tendon injuries. Martial artists often deal with plantar fasciitis, sesamoiditis, and Achilles tendinitis.

All types of activities, however, can cause injuries such as:

• Ankle sprain and fracture
• Stress fractures
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinitis
• Posterior tibial tendinitis
• Peroneal tendon injury

A fractured midfoot, called a Lisfranc injury, is another frequent injury that you can sustain from a seemingly minor twist, by dropping something heavy on your foot, or during contact sports.

What symptoms develop due to sports injuries?

All the different types of sports injuries cause symptoms such as:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Stiffness
• Joint instability
• Muscle weakness
• Limited movement

In many cases, you won’t be able to bear your full weight, or any weight, on the injured foot.

What’s the typical treatment for sports injuries?

The skilled team at Total Foot and Ankle Care provides comprehensive treatment for sports injuries, creating customized therapy based on the type and severity of your injury, as well as your activity goals.

Your doctor at Total Foot and Ankle Care chooses from a wide range of possible treatments, such as heat, cold, resting or immobilizing your foot, and temporarily modifying your activities. Many patients benefit from bracing, taping, casting, and steroid injections. Custom orthotics can relieve abnormal pressure, stabilize movement, and improve your performance.

If your injury doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, or if you have a complex fracture or torn ligaments, you may need surgery to repair the damage and promote optimal healing.

Will I receive rehabilitation following my sports injury?

As soon as your doctor determines it’s safe to move your foot or ankle, you’ll start a rehabilitation program to rebuild strength and flexibility and restore your range of motion. If you participate in competitive sports, your rehabilitation may include an evaluation of your balance and gait mechanics to ensure proper foot and ankle movement. 

To receive experienced care for sports injuries, call Total Foot and Ankle Care or schedule an appointment online today.