Summer is here and people are getting out and enjoying their favorite sports activities. It’s a time of great fun, but there’s also safety to think about. Every time the foot hits the ground, a lot of force travels upstream through the bones and connective tissue, so taking care of your feet needs to be a top priority. Managing foot care is essential to athlete health. Let’s go over some of the most important lessons about sports injuries we can learn from podiatrists.
Common Factors in Sports Injuries
Sports injuries occur due to strenuous physical activity. Anyone can experience them, but you’re more likely to experience a sports injury if:
- You don’t exercise regularly
- You don’t warm up properly
- You play contact sports
- You don’t wear adequate protective gear
What Are Some Common Sports Injuries?
Common sports injuries, including:
- Sprains and strains
- Swollen muscles
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Tendinitis
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Plantar fasciitis
How Are Sports Injuries Treated?
Treatment for sports injuries depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your quality of life.
If the injury is relatively minor, most podiatrists recommend the RICE protocol, which consists of rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You should be getting plenty of rest, taking over-the-counter pain medication, and wearing proper protective equipment.
If the injury is severe, you may require foot surgery. If your injury persists or gets worse, you might benefit from:
- Physical therapy
- Shockwave therapy
- Custom orthotics
- Braces or splints
- Corticosteroid injections
Our dedicated doctors provide state-of-the-art care to our patients: Dr. W. Aaron Broyles, Dr. Robert L. Van Brederode, and Dr. Thomas Verla. Their staff serves patients in Madison, Mitchell, and Watauga County. Contact us today to make an appointment with Alta Ridge Foot Specialists at one of our three offices at 105 Chestnut Street, Mars Hill, 440 Alta Pass Highway, Spruce Pine, or 2211 NC Hwy 105, Boone, NC. We look forward to hearing from you!
