“What can be a sports injury?” looks like a very simple question initially. Although the question appears simple enough for answering, the term might signify different meanings to different people, thus making it a little complicated.
This is since the phrase “sports injury” is frequently used by many different doctors to refer to any form of injury that develops as a result of sports or exercise.
We tend to use the phrase sports injury in the podiatry field to describe sports-related disorders with the foot, ankles, knees, and legs. Acute or chronic injuries are the most common types of injuries.
It is a good idea to know what kind of sports-related wounds a podiatrist can treat because you never know if you or your loved one will sustain one.
While some podiatrists in Orange County wound cares pecialize in a field such as podiatric sports medicine, a general podiatrist can diagnose and treat all sports-related injuries involving the foot, ankles, or related leg structures.
A few most common types of sports injuries
In wound care in Orange County, a podiatrist, also known as a “foot doctor,” is educated to diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and leg disorders. As a result, a podiatrist’s top ten list of common sports injuries may differ significantly from those of other sports injury professionals like physiotherapists or sports physicians.
Chronic injuries, particularly those with fundamental biomechanical or foot-related causes, are the most common types of sports injuries seen by podiatrists in the clinic. Some of the most frequent podiatry-related sports injuries we may see in the clinic include:
- Plantar fasciitis and a few other causes of heel pain or foot arch pain
- Forefoot injuries like metatarsalgia, sesamoiditis, and a few other reasons for forefoot pain
- Plantar plate and turf toe injury
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Leg pain and shin splints
- Sinus tarsi syndrome and Peroneal tendinopathy
- Chronic knee pain
- Recurring ankle sprains
- Skin injuries e.g., corns, blisters, and callus on your feet
- Nail injuries like ingrown or any damaged toenails
As you can see, podiatrists deal with a wide spectrum of lower limb injuries when it is related to sports. One of the first stages in treating or managing chronic diseases is to understand what you are up against.
If you believe you would benefit from any podiatry evaluation, please contact foot and ankle specialist Orange County to schedule an appointment.
What a sports medicine is?
A complete approach for treating acute or chronic sports-related wounds while increasing strength and stamina is provided by sports medicine. The idea is to keep you active, especially if you have been out due to an injury.
You will be more likely to come back to your favorite activities faster while also avoiding the same injury from recurring if you tackle the root problem while also regaining strength.
Sports medicine podiatrists have specialized medical expertise to assist you in recovering from injury, improving your athletic performance, and providing preventative care to lower the risk of future damage.
Podiatrists that specialize in sports medicine not only address the underlying problem but also restore and improve the surrounding joints and muscles to help your ankle and foot function better. A sports medicine doctor will work with you to determine your goals for getting back to an active lifestyle.
When do you must-see any sports medicine doctor?
Knowing when you must see any sports medicine podiatrist will be critical for regaining lower extremity function and preserving foot and ankle health so you can stay in the game for longer.
Acute injuries, overuse injuries, and genetic anomalies can all be evaluated, diagnosed, and treated by sports medicine podiatrists. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a podiatrist:
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Pain that will get worsened due to increased activity
- Tenderness or difficulty bearing weight
- Limited mobility stiffness in the ankle or foot
Diagnosis
A podiatrist who is a specialist in sports medicine will diagnose your problem if you have recurrent pain in your ankles or feet. Our podiatrists will do a thorough examination of your sports-related injury on your foot and ankle, including a review of your medical history, gait analysis, and examination of the problematic area.
Your podiatrist may also request additional tests, such as ultrasonic diagnostic imaging or X-rays, based on the extent of your injuries. The treatment plan is going to be tailored for your unique injury so you can get back to your normal routine or the things you enjoy.
Sports medicine treatment
A foot or ankle injury can result from a variety of circumstances, including utilizing faulty gym equipment, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or adopting inadequate training tactics. Shady Grove Podiatry uses a number of procedures and treatments to help patients recuperate faster.
Many modalities are used in sports medicine interventions:
- Ankle and foot bracing
- Activity modifications
- Injury prevention
- Ankle and foot surgery
- Physical therapy
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Shock wave therapy
- Ultrasound therapy
- Strength training
- Conditioning exercises
Being unable to participate in your favorite sport or activity can be quite irritating. If surgery is required to address your injury, doctors in wound care in Orange County will make every attempt to use minimally invasive techniques for minimizing your recovery time and downtime.