What are sports injuries?
Sports injuries occur from playing sports or training. Examples of common lower extremity sports-related injuries include:
- Sprains and strains
- A pulled hamstring
- Fractures
- Shin splints
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Arch pain
- Swollen muscles
- Knee injuries
- Dislocations
Sports injuries can range from mild to severe, but seeking early treatment gives you the best chance of healing quickly and making a full recovery.
What are the symptoms of a sports injury?
You might have a sports injury after jumping, overuse, cutting abruptly, colliding with another player, or falling. The signs and symptoms you experience depend on the type and severity of your injury. Examples include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Stiffness
- Bruising
- Cracking or popping sounds
- Inability to bear weight on your knee, ankle, or foot
- Limited mobility
- Reduced range of motion in joints
You can often treat mild sports injuries with simple at-home remedies. But for more severe ankle or foot sports injuries with lasting or intense pain, see a podiatrist at Central Jersey Ankle & Foot Care Specialists as soon as possible.
What is the treatment for sports injuries?
Your doctor reviews your symptoms and medical history, and examines the area of your injury. They may utilize imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds, to determine the type and severity of your injury and recommend an appropriate treatment. Examples include:
RICE therapy
RICE therapy, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, might be all that’s needed to heal foot or ankle injuries that aren’t severe.
Medications
Your doctor may recommend taking medications to reduce inflammation and ease pain associated with a sports injury.
Laser therapy
The podiatrists at Central Jersey Ankle & Foot Care Specialists use innovative laser therapy (K-Laser) to accelerate healing, decrease inflammation and scarring, and relieve pain associated with sports injuries.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or ESWT, is a 20-minute non-surgical procedure your doctor uses to treat chronic plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and other chronic tendinopathies. ESWT utilizes ultrasound waves that target damaged tissue, activating your body’s own natural healing response.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery might be the best way to restore your foot or ankle after a sports injury and regain full function.
Don’t let a sports injury sideline you when simple treatment options are within reach. Call Central Jersey Ankle & Foot Care Specialists for an appointment today or use the online booking tool.
