Athletes who push themselves to excel at any age understand the potential risks that accompany the challenge. The drive to succeed can lead to injuries, either from trauma during a competition or practice or from repetitive stress and overuse. The feet and ankles are particularly vulnerable to injury from a range of athletic activities because they may sustain force up to 20 times the body’s weight that can injure bones, joints, and soft tissues. Nearly a quarter of all sports injuries involve the feet and ankles.
Once an injury has occurred, athletes often feel that they’re left with only bad choices. On the one hand: abandon their training to take all strain off their feet and ankles to recover and lose the conditioning and skills they’ve worked so hard to gain. For some, such as high school athletes working hard to pursue college scholarships, that may not be a realistic option. For others, their sport may be a source of mental as well as physical well-being, and giving it up entirely, even on a temporary basis, risks even greater long-term harm.
On the other hand: find a way to continue training and playing despite the injury. But many athletes find that managing pain from a foot or ankle injury during games or training sessions is exhausting. Even with treatment, they constantly have to plan for and endure discomfort, and the mental effort required to deal with it is draining. The thought that the situation will never get better can fill them with despair, turning an activity that once brought satisfaction and joy into a source of misery.
Sprains, strains, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and overuse injuries are among the most common sports-related foot and ankle injuries. Many of these conditions are initially treated with familiar, noninvasive methods that may be prescribed by a general practitioner or in an urgent care setting. But what happens when those treatments aren’t working to reduce pain and improve mobility?
Rather than simply gritting their teeth and playing through the pain, athletes are strongly advised to get a second opinion from a skilled podiatrist. A specialized assessment of the situation can help ensure not only that the initial diagnosis was correct and that no additional issues have been overlooked, but also create an individualized treatment plan that facilitates healing.
In addition, a podiatrist can assist with a pain management program that is specifically tailored to the health and comfort of your feet while keeping athletic goals and concerns in mind. Many athletes prefer to avoid medications that can affect their alertness or performance. An experienced podiatrist will be able to offer a wider range of options designed to reduce discomfort and promote overall foot and ankle health without unwanted side effects.
Recovering from a foot or ankle injury can be even more complex when the athlete also suffers from diabetes. As exercise is an important factor in managing the condition, a quick recovery can be critical for maintaining overall health. A knowledgeable podiatrist understands the negative effect diabetes can have on circulation and the immune system and can provide specialized treatment to prevent injuries from becoming larger or chronic due to diabetes.
At Corona Foot & Ankle, we understand that athletes who love their sport want to get back to participating fully as soon as possible. If an injury has occurred, give us a call instead of going to urgent care first so we can give you the best opportunity to make a full recovery. We can also provide second opinions on ongoing issues that aren’t improving the way you’d hoped as well as preventative care to keep your feet and ankles as healthy as possible going forward. To learn more about our team and our treatment options, contact us here today.
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