Sports Medicine Specialist

What are common sports injuries to the feet?

Stress Fractures

Sudden increases in athletic training, like running or walking longer distances or for longer periods of time, improper training techniques, or a change in the surface you train on can all lead to stress fractures.

Broken Ankles

Over the past 30 years, a record number of people have broken their ankles – and probably experience them more severely – according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. The Academy attributes this spike in broken ankles to active, but aging Baby Boomers (people born from 1946-1964).

Sprained Ankles

If you twist your ankle during physical activity, the twisting can sometimes damage ligaments on the outside of the ankle to the point where an audible pop can be heard.

Achilles Tendinitis

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body. It can withstand 1,000 pounds of force or more, but it can’t withstand continued overuse. Among both professional and weekend athletes, it is the most frequently ruptured tendon.

How are sports injuries treated?

Podiatrists at Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine always start by thoroughly evaluating the injury. They may use digital X-ray imaging to evaluate fractures or instability, or ultrasound imaging to check for tendon, ligament, or muscle injuries. Treatment plans can include bracing, splinting, or casting, as well as orthotics and physical therapy.

How often should I replace my running shoes?

One simple way to take care of your feet and ankles is by replacing worn running shoes. A whole host of medical issues are created by worn shoes, starting with the runner’s legs, ankles, and feet. In fact, many issues in the lower body can lead to problems higher up, including the hips and lower back.

The solution is simple: Make sure to buy new running shoes regularly. The particular shoe, your running style, the frequency of your workouts, and the terrain all make it difficult to set firm guidelines on the usable life of a running shoe, but experts will tell you somewhere between 300-500 miles is realistic for a pair of well-constructed running shoes. Regardless, inspect your footwear regularly to evaluate wear, cushioning, and support.

When is surgery an option for a sports injury?

As a rule, specialists at Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine explore nonsurgical options first, then escalate to minimally invasive surgical procedures. Specialists only resort to surgery when you have a complete bone fracture or after weeks or months of conservative therapy with poor results. Regardless, you can be assured of minimal downtime and a mission to get you back to normal activity, including sports, as quickly as possible. 

The specialists at Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine love sports. They know how much you want to stay active and understand your love of the game, no matter what the game. To schedule an appointment with a Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine podiatrist, call or visit online today.