Sidelined by Sports Injuries? Try Podiatry + In-Office Ultrasound!
When you’re active, sports injuries are more than just painful; they’re limiting. The mental and physical benefits of exercise and competition can become part of your routine, and when injuries make them impossible, the consequences can be serious.
Oak Foot and Ankle has helped athletes of all kinds get back into the game and back to peak performance, and we can help you, too. To learn how a podiatrist can allow you to rebound from sports injuries or prevent them altogether, read on!
What is a Sports Injury?
A sports injury refers to any harm to the muscles, bones, or joints that results from physical activity.
In the foot and ankle, these injuries are incredibly common due to the immense stress these structures endure. They can be acute (happening suddenly) or chronic (developing over time).
Common foot and ankle sports injuries include:
- Ankle Sprains: Stretching or tearing of the ligaments surrounding the ankle.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of a tendon from overuse, such as Achilles tendonitis.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Sharp heel pain caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament.
- Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in a bone caused by repetitive force.
The Key to Recovery = An Accurate Diagnosis
Simply guessing the cause of your pain can lead to a longer recovery or even re-injury.
- A podiatrist goes beyond a simple physical exam to get a clear picture of what’s happening inside your foot and ankle.
- A key tool we use for this is in-office diagnostic ultrasound.
- Unlike an X-ray, which only shows bone, ultrasound allows us to see your soft tissues, like ligaments and tendons, in real-time.
This advanced imaging lets us visualize a tear, inflammation, or other damage right in the exam room, often providing an immediate and precise diagnosis without the wait and expense of an MRI.
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Once we have an accurate diagnosis, we can develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific injury and performance goals.
While many injuries respond well to a combination of physical therapy, proper footwear recommendations, and anti-inflammatory treatments, the first step is understanding why the injury occurred.
- A gait analysis can reveal biomechanical imbalances that put stress on certain parts of your foot.
- Custom orthotics can be prescribed to correct these issues, providing the foundational support needed to prevent future injuries.
- In cases of severe injury, such as a complete tendon rupture or a complex fracture, surgical interventionmay be necessary to restore full function and stability.
Train Harder and Recover Faster With Us!
We’ve helped everyone from runners and basketball players to dancers and hikers. If you find yourself aching on the sidelines and itching to return to the activities you love, be sure to give us a call.
Oak Foot and Ankle in Oak Lawn, IL, provides expert podiatric care for patients of all ages. Specializing in sports medicine, diabetic foot care, and innovative treatments, we help you stay active and comfortable. Need assistance? Contact us today!
