Sports Injuries
Recover Stronger from Sports Injuries with Expert Foot & Ankle Care
Getting sidelined by a sports injury can feel frustrating — but you don’t have to stay out of the game. At Eastside Podiatry PLLC, serving St. Clair Shores and Fraser, Michigan, our team helps athletes and active individuals recover quickly, reduce pain, and return to the activities they love.
Sports Injuries Q & A
What are sports injuries?
Sports injuries in the feet and ankles are common and can affect bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. While some heal with rest, others require professional care to avoid long-term problems. If pain lingers or mobility is limited, it’s time to get evaluated.
What are common foot and ankle injuries?
Sports injuries that can affect your foot or ankle include:
- Tendonitis
- Fractures
- Bursitis
- Heel spurs
- Neuromas
- Sprains
- Strains
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms commonly associated with foot and ankle injuries include dull or sharp pain, redness, swelling, numbness, tingling, and reduced range of motion or mobility. See the team at Eastside Podiatry PLLC for an evaluation to get back on the field or court as quickly as possible.
How are sports injuries diagnosed?
Our podiatrists combine hands-on exams with advanced imaging (X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound) to pinpoint the injury and recommend the best treatment — so you can heal with confidence.
How are sports injuries treated?
Every athlete’s recovery is unique. At Eastside Podiatry PLLC, your treatment plan is customized to help you heal faster, reduce pain, and prevent reinjury. Options may include:
Home treatments
Home treatments that can accelerate healing and reduce pain include rest, compression, ice or heat packs, elevation, and wearing a splint or brace.
Physical therapy
Your provider shows you injury-specific exercises and stretches that can boost strength and flexibility and prevent reinjury.
Medications/injections
Taking anti-inflammatory medicines or receiving injections can reduce pain and inflammation associated with a sports injury. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use your own blood plasma to stimulate cell regeneration and healing.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)
ESWT uses sound pulses to stimulate healing, break up scar tissue, and reduce pain and inflammation associated with sports injuries.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy uses noninvasive laser energy to stimulate healing and cell regeneration without pain, surgery, or downtime.
Fracture care
Fracture care at Eastside Podiatry PLLC might include wearing a brace, splint, or cast, traction, external fixation, or surgical procedures in the case of a severe fracture.
Surgical procedures
If you have a severe sports-related injury in your foot or ankle, surgery might be needed to fully restore musculoskeletal structure and function. The experts at Eastside Podiatry PLLC offer minimally invasive procedures using the latest innovative technology.
Don’t let foot or ankle pain keep you from the activities you love. With advanced treatments and compassionate care, we’ll help you recover and get back in the game. Schedule your appointment online or by phone today.
How is a sprained ankle treated?
Whenever possible, the caring providers at Eastside Podiatry PLLC use conservative, nonsurgical treatments to ease pain caused by a sprained ankle. Usually, they recommend rest, ice, compression, and elevation, also known as the RICE protocol. If your pain persists or gets worse, you might benefit from an ankle brace or physical therapy. If your sprain doesn’t heal or your ankle joint remains unstable, surgical intervention may be necessary.
To learn more about your treatment options for a sprained ankle, make an appointment at Eastside Podiatry PLLC today by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling tool.
Faq...
Podiatrists use:
– Physical examination
– Gait analysis
– Imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound
to accurately diagnose the type and severity of the injury.
Treatment depends on the injury and may include:
– R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
– Immobilization with a brace or boot
– Anti-inflammatory medications
– Custom orthotics
– Physical therapy
– Cortisone injections
– Surgery (for severe or non-healing injuries)
You should seek care if you experience:
– Persistent pain or swelling
– Difficulty walking or bearing weight
– Instability or weakness in the foot or ankle
– Recurrent injuries or poor healing
It depends on the type and severity of the injury. In many cases, rest is essential for healing. A podiatrist can guide you on safe activity modifications and when to return to sports.