No matter what type of sport you play, there is always a possibility for a foot or ankle injury to occur during sports. Injuries are more likely in some sports than in others, but as the foot and ankle are being exposed to fast and sudden movement, heavy exertion, and possible contact from other players, athletes are no stranger to podiatric injuries. Sports injuries to the foot and ankle require prompt and thorough treatment so that you can get back to playing the game you love as quickly as possible.

Learn more about some of the most common podiatric sports injuries, what causes them, and how our team of specialists diagnoses and treats sports injuries in Huntington, NY.

What is a Podiatric Sports Injury?

Podiatric sports injuries occur when the bones, tendons, or muscles of the foot, ankle, or toes are damaged while someone is playing a sport. The location and severity of the injury can vary widely based on the cause of the injury and the type of sport that was being played when the injury occurred. The most common podiatric sports injuries include:

• Toenail injuries
• Tendon or muscle injuries
• Bone contusions or fractures
• Ankle sprains or fractures
• Ligament strains (i.e. turf toe)
• Growth plate injuries (common among children)

An example of a sports injury commonly treated at Comprehensive Foot Specialists is turf toe, which is a sprain of the main joint of the big toe. Turf toe occurs when the toe is forcibly bent during physical activity, such as when an individual pushing off the ground into a sprint. It is commonly seen among football players, but can happen to athletes in a wide range of sports.

What Causes Sports Injuries?

Foot and ankle injuries are extremely common in sports, because of the intense strain placed on this area of the body while a sport is being played. Athletes of many sports spend hours jumping, sprinting, and pivoting their foot and ankle, which can lead to everyday wear and tear. Repetitive motion also leaves athletes prone to inflammation of the joints and tendons in this area, which can lead to conditions such as Achilles tendonitis. During more high impact sports, an injury can be caused by direct contact with another player. Stress fractures, which are incomplete breaks or cracks in the bone, can occur during sports because of the long duration of repetitive motion or ill-fitting footwear.

How are Sports Injuries Diagnosed?

Podiatric sports injuries are diagnosed through standard diagnostic modalities. Certain sports injuries can be diagnosed through a physical examination of the foot, ankle, or toes, while others will require an X-ray or other diagnostic tests to determine the full extent of the injury. For example, if an ankle sprain is suspected in an athlete, the doctor may perform an X-ray or MRI to get a clear picture of the area, which also allows them to check if a fracture or dislocation is present.

As many different injuries can occur in this area during sports, it is important that the correct diagnosis is made so treatment can be as successful as possible.

How Comprehensive Foot Specialists Treat Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are amongst some of the more difficult injuries to treat, being that time is of the essence. However, it is important to note that patience in returning to full activity only benefits the athlete immensely for the best possible immediate and future results.

At Comprehensive Foot Specialists, we are proud to help athletes perform at the top of their game by treating a wide variety of sports injuries. Our expert podiatrists are skilled in diagnosing and treating various foot and ankle injuries and are certified in Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) for more severe injuries. We are committed to each of our patients and their full recovery, working with them each step of the way at our office in Huntington, NY. To learn more about the services we offer and to make your appointment, please contact us today!