Though fun and engaging, activities such as running, cycling, and lifting weights may increase your risk of sports injuries. At Gateway Foot and Ankle Center, the team of board-certified podiatrists provides complete care for sports injuries, including plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and ankle sprains. To make an appointment today, call the nearest office in Clarksville, Nashville, or Erin, Tennessee, or Hopkinsville, Kentucky, or book online.
Sports injuries occur during exercise or other types of strenuous physical activity. Anyone can suffer a sports injury, but they’re most common in children and teens whose bodies are still growing.
If you experience a sports injury, stop whatever you’re doing and rest. Pushing through the pain may affect your mobility or increase your risk of more serious complications.
At Gateway Foot and Ankle Center, the team diagnoses and treats various sports injuries, including:
You might also benefit from treatment if you develop an overuse injury, such as plantar fasciitis or a bone spur.
If you suffer an injury while working out or playing sports, stop whatever you’re doing and contact the team at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you can take steps to prevent the injury from worsening.
To diagnose a sports injury, your Gateway Foot and Ankle Center provider reviews your medical records and asks about the injury, including what you were doing when it occurred, what the pain feels like, and if it’s worse when you stand up or walk around.
Next, your provider completes an exam. They assess your feet, ankles, and heels for redness, bruising, or swelling and gently press on your skin to identify sensitive areas.
They also ask you to walk around the exam room, observing your gait (the way you walk) and posture. If necessary, they might also order X-rays or an MRI to see if you have a broken bone or soft tissue damage.
Treatment of sports injuries depends on various factors, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and their effect on your mobility. The team at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center usually recommends conservative treatments, like ice, rest, elevation, and taking over-the-counter pain medication.
You might also benefit from:
If you suffer a more serious injury, like a compound fracture, the team might recommend surgery. Gateway Foot and Ankle Center performs both traditional open and minimally invasive orthopedic surgery.
To learn more about the treatment of sports injuries, call the nearest Gateway Foot and Ankle Center office or book online today.