If you play any sort of sport, chances are you might have experienced some pain, discomfort or even an injury to your body. You might even be familiar with sports doctors who specialise in recovery from injuries, like physiotherapists and osteopaths.
Well, if you experience an injury to your feet or lower limbs, another specialist you might need to see is a foot doctor, also known as a podiatrist.
A podiatrist has an exceptional understanding of the muscles, tissues, bones and all the other bits in your feet and ankles, and how they impact the rest of your body. Visiting a sports podiatrist is a great option when you suffer an injury from sports, and they can also provide you with advice and training programs that can help you prevent injuries in the future. Keep reading to find out some of the injuries a sports podiatrist can help treat.
The most common injuries a sports podiatrist treats
If you happen to experience any of these injuries, you’ll be in great hands with a sports podiatrist.
1. Ankle Sprains
Even if you don’t play any form of sport, it is likely that you’ve rolled or sprained your ankle. This common sports injury can be extremely painful and take a long time to heal, especially when it is caused by a sport that involves a lot of running or jumping.
Ankle sprains can involve tearing the tissue and ligaments in your ankle, which can lead to swelling, bruising, tenderness and pain. These tears can be minor or they can be complete tears. And without the right treatment, they can take months to recover from.
Immediately after an ankle sprain it is advised that you apply the RICE principle, rest, ice, compression and elevation. However, it is also extremely important you work with a specialist, like a sports podiatrist who will be able to assess the severity of the injury and work out a treatment plan to suit you.
2. Fractures
Fracturing your bones can be highly painful and make it very difficult for you to walk or even stand sometimes.
Fractures can vary significantly, from small cracks to complete breaks, and it is so important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
You might be required to undergo surgery to repair a broken bone, or you may need to wear a cast. It’s also quite common to end up needing to temporarily use a moon boot, which allows you to be able to move and walk without putting your full body weight on the affected area.
If you are required to use a moon boot, a sports podiatrist is your best bet to ensure you have the best fitting moon boot – this will help make your recovery even smoother.
3. Achilles Tendonitis
If you’ve felt a pull or pain in your heel, then it might be achilles tendonitis. That’s because the achilles, which is in your heel, is the largest tendon in the body.
The achilles tendon connects your heel bones and calf muscles, and injury to this area is often caused by repetitive strain and pressure on the area. This can easily happen when you’re an athlete, particularly for a sport that involves a lot of running.
People who have achilles tendonitis also have a chance of experiencing bone spurs – which is caused by the hardening of damaged tendon fibres.
This type of injury can be treated in a few different ways, from simple icing, to orthotics, physio, shockwave therapy or even anti-inflammatory medication. The best treatment for you will depend on your activity level and the severity of your injury.
If you’re injured work with a professional
It’s very simple to underestimate the severity of an injury and not allow the proper time to actually fully recover. It’s so important to visit a sports treatment specialist, like a podiatrist as they can help assess and diagnose the injury, as well as devise a suitable recovery program that will help to prevent future injuries from occurring.
If you’ve experienced an injury or any pain or discomfort in your feet or lower limbs, call Watsonia Podiatry – they are Melbourne sports podiatrists who are trained and qualified to help you today.
