Sports injuries usually happen either during a specific athletic activity or over some time with wear and tear. If you are an athlete or just very active and sporty, get an idea of what the most common sports injuries are, how to prevent them, and the available modern treatments. Our podiatrists are specialists in sports medicine at Capital Foot & Ankle in Austin, TX, and can help you stay in good shape.
Common Sports Injuries
Due to the popularity of American sports, which start as early as elementary school, sports medicine, and treatment are in high demand. Here is a list of some of the most common sports injuries that often require treatment by a specialist:
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain.
- Achilles tendonitis.
- Inflammation and dislocation of the joints.
- Pulled hamstrings.
- Torn ligaments.
- Shin splints.
- Sprains or strains (usually in the knees or ankles).
- Bone fractures.
Recognizing and Treating Sports Injuries
The first way to recognize that you may have a sports injury is recurring or persistent pain. For instance, every time you jump, kick, or squat down you start to feel significant discomfort. You might also start to notice limited motion and the inability to reach past physical levels of achievement on the field. Your Austin, TX, sports medicine podiatrist will help you identify the exact diagnosis and cause of your sports injury. Treatments often include a mix of medication (including corticosteroid injections for pain), bracing, ice or heat therapy, or targeted therapeutic exercises.
Preventing Sports Injuries
To prevent sports injuries, you'll need to come up with a daily plan of action with the help of your sports medicine podiatrist. These are some tips for how to avoid getting taken out of the game:
- Wrap your feet and vulnerable limbs or joints before sports activities.
- Stretch and warm up before going full throttle into your routine and before playing in a game.
- Use heat and ice therapy interchangeably as recommended by your doctor.
- Get the proper gear, including sneakers and custom orthotics, to wear when playing.
Sports Injury Management
As an athlete, you need your team for support and to win. You also need a team of professionals to help keep your body in good competitive condition. Call (512) 474-6666 today to schedule a sports medicine consultation with our podiatrists at Capital Foot & Ankle in Austin, TX.