When Should I See a Podiatrist for a Sports Injury?
Treatment plans vary on the severity of the injury and X-rays are needed to rule out a fracture. Icing and anti-inflammatory medication help reduce the swelling. Devices such as crutches, walking boots, or ankle braces can be prescribed. In severe cases, surgery may be required to fix damage to ligaments. Remember, podiatrists have training in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect the lower leg, ankle, and foot. Family Foot & Ankle Physicians podiatrists have advanced training in the care of sports injuries. Some of the most common reasons to see a podiatrist after a sports injury are:
- Moderate or severe bruising
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain or difficulty bearing weight
- Feeling like your leg, ankle, or foot may give out
- Foot and ankle fractures
- Swelling
- Decreased range of motion
- Heel pain
Your podiatrist can help you determine the best shoes for your sport of choice in order to reduce your risk of injury, too.
What Types of Sports Injuries Do Podiatrists Treat?
Family Foot & Ankle Physicians treats any injury of the lower leg, ankle, or foot, including:
- Foot and ankle fractures
- Ankle sprains, including high ankle sprains
- Muscle strains
- Tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendon problems
- Leg cramps
- Shin splints
Family Foot & Ankle Physicians handles mild to severe injuries and can provide fast and effective treatment to help you get out of pain and heal as quickly as possible.
How are Sports Injuries Diagnosed?
Podiatrists perform a variety of orthopedic tests and assessments to diagnose sports injuries. Family Foot & Ankle Physicians has digital X-rays available on-site and can refer you for additional imaging — like an MRI — if needed. Exams are thorough and efficient, so you can get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment as soon as possible.
What is the Treatment for Sports Injuries?
Since the severity of sports injuries varies widely, Family Foot & Ankle Physicians works with you to determine the best course of treatment based on your symptoms, diagnosis, and goals for returning to play. Treatment at Family Foot & Ankle Physicians is thorough and incorporates a mix of passive therapies — like ice, heat, shockwave therapy, MLS Laser Therapy, and taping — along with active rehab and physical therapy to speed up your healing.
For fractures and other serious injuries, Family Foot & Ankle Physicians provides treatment to repair the damage before rehabbing your muscles and joints in order to help you get back to the gym or on the field. You also receive help to identify and improve areas of weakness that may have contributed to your injury in order to prevent future pain.Get treatment for your sports injury at Family Foot & Ankle Physicians now by calling or booking online.
Family Foot & Ankle Physicians has a primary location in Greenville, servicing cities such as Greenville, Farmville, Ahoskie, Kinston, Winterville, Tarboro, New Bern, Edenton, Washington, Rocky Mount, with patients coming from throughout eastern North Carolina and beyond. To request your appointment, call our Greenville office today, talk to your doctor about a referral or use the online booking tool to schedule your visit.