What is a sports injury?
A sports injury is any injury that you incur during, or as a result of, physical activity. Most sports injuries affect athletes who play team or individual sports.
Many of those injuries affect the feet and ankles and require the expertise of a podiatrist like Dr. Roberts at Tampa Bay Foot and Ankle.
What kind of sports injuries do you treat?
Some of the many sports injuries that Dr. Roberts treats include:
Ankle sprains
An ankle sprain can happen when you accidentally twist or make other irregular movements. A sprain stretches or tears the ligaments that join your ankle bones together. Ligaments are crucial for ankle stability, and a sprain can cause significant weakening, pain, and swelling.
Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe; they’re classified as first degree (ligament stretching), second degree (partial ligament tear), or third degree (complete ligament tear).
Ankle strains
An ankle strain is an injury in which accidental movement like twisting causes damage to the muscles or tendons connected to your ankle bones. Just as with an ankle sprain, an ankle strain can cause pain and swelling.
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is major inflammation within the Achilles tendon on the back of your lower leg. It often causes severe heel pain. Achilles tendinitis is often an overuse injury, so it might happen when you increase your workout intensity or suddenly start exercising for longer periods.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis affects the plantar fascia, the wide band of tissues that join your heel with your toes. Overuse can cause inflammation and serious pain. This injury often affects runners and others who exert significant pressure on their feet.
Athlete’s foot
Although not an actual injury, athlete’s foot is often viewed as such because it frequently occurs in athletes and can cause serious symptoms if left untreated. Athlete’s foot is a fungus that can quickly lead to raw, red, and severely irritated skin between your toes and, sometimes, on other parts of your foot.
Other Injuries
Other sports injuries include stress fractures, ankle instability, and changes in the foot’s bony framework. Dr. Roberts can effectively address all sports injuries in the foot and ankle.
How do you care for a sports injury?
Dr. Roberts uses the most up-to-date treatments for sports injuries. His goal is to return you to your preinjury health quickly and safely. For certain injuries, Dr. Roberts uses an external brace that goes outside your shoe for excellent stability and convenience.
You may also benefit from shockwave therapy, amniotic injections, and other cutting-edge treatments that boost your natural recovery abilities. Many athletes also benefit from custom orthotics that stabilize and protect the injured foot.
Call Tampa Bay Foot and Ankle or book an appointment online for compassionate sports injury treatment now.
