When you are an athlete and you suffer from an injury, it's important to get the care that you need in order to heal properly. If you wait to get treatment or you don't see the right type of provider, the length of time it takes for you to heal can be longer than normal. An ankle or foot injury can be difficult to treat, and a specialist will be able to diagnose the problem and provide you with a treatment plan that is right for you. If you have been hurt playing sports and you are trying to get back into the game, it's time to get the treatment you deserve.
Injuries to the Foot and Ankle
If you have injured an ankle, you might start with a period of ice and rest. While this works for most sprains to the foot or ankle, this is not always the answer. You may have a small break in one of the small bones in your foot, or a tear in a ligament. If the pain in your foot or ankle doesn't reduce with traditional care, it's time to see a specialist who can diagnose the problem more carefully.
Common Injuries to Your Foot or Ankle
There are a number of injuries commonly treated in podiatric sports medicine that deal with your foot or ankle. Stress fractures occur frequently, while heel spurs or plantar fasciitis can make it very difficult to move around normally. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue in the arch of your foot becomes inflamed and causes pain. Stress fractures need time to heal, while heel spurs are a bony calcium protrusion on the heel of your foot. When you have pain in your foot from a sports injury, a treatment plan to heal your injury is necessary.
How Foot or Ankle Injuries are Treated
Your specialist may suggest a course of physical therapy, rest, exercise, hot or cold therapies, massage, and other modalities that help reduce inflammation and improve circulation to the area. When your ankle or foot is injured, maintaining your range of motion is also important.
When you are hurt and want to get back to the sports you love, pay attention to what your specialist tells you. Follow your treatment plan and report any changes to your condition. If you have pain, don't push yourself too hard and talk to your treatment provider.
For more information, visit sites like http://www.elmhurstpodiatry.com.
Share