Whether you are an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, you know how much sports injuries can affect your experience. Some injuries heal quickly, while others linger! Don't let these injuries become worse. If you've got an overtraining injury or a lingering injury that doesn't seem to heal, it might be time to see the specialists at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle.
Types of Sports Injuries Affecting the Feet and Ankles
Sports medicine can refer to the treatment of multiple conditions and injuries, including:
Ankle sprains.
Sprains are among the most common injuries in sports. The ligaments in your ankle can become overstretched, causing pain and discomfort. If not treated properly, this can lead to chronic instability and long-term problems.
Shin splints.
Shin splints are more common than you might think and can be a major source of pain for athletes. These occur when excessive stress is placed on the shin muscles or the muscles become overstretched.
Achilles tendonitis.
This condition occurs when there is inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Overuse and lack of stretching can cause this painful condition.
Toe injuries.
Toe injuries can range from fractures to turf toe and even hammertoe. These can all be extremely painful and cause difficulties when walking or running.
Stress fractures.
Stress fractures are small cracks in the bones that can occur due to overuse or repetitive movements. They are usually caused by activities like running, jumping, or playing sports.
Compartment syndrome.
Compartment syndrome can occur when the pressure in your leg muscles becomes too high, causing pain, numbness, and decreased blood flow.
Plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed. This can cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult to walk or run.
Sesamoiditis.
Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the sesamoids, which are small bones located under the big toe joint. This can cause pain in the ball of the foot and is usually caused by overuse.
Tendon injuries.
Tendons are the tissue that connects muscles to bones, and injuries to these can occur from overuse or improper technique. These types of injuries can be particularly painful and may require physical therapy to heal properly.
Limb length discrepancies.
Limb length discrepancies can occur when one leg is longer than the other. This can cause pain and discomfort and may require physical therapy or orthotics to correct.
Muscle tears.
Muscle tears can be a result of overuse or trauma, and cause severe pain in the affected area. They may require surgery to repair.
Recurrent blisters.
Blisters can be caused by friction from shoes or other equipment and can become extremely painful if not taken care of properly.
