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Sports injuries, like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, are more than painful –– without treatment, they can affect your performance on the court, track, or playing field. At Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona in Chandler, Arizona, podiatrists and board-certified foot and ankle surgeons Alex Stewart, DPM, Antonius Su, DPM, and their team offer complete care for sports injuries. After an exam, they make personalized treatment recommendations to help you return to your favorite activities. Call Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona today for sports injury treatment, or book your appointment online.
When should I see a foot specialist about a sports injury?
Make an appointment at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona if you or your child suffers an activity-related foot or ankle injury accompanied by sudden pain, visible redness or swelling, and mobility problems.
Most sports injuries aren’t serious, but it’s important to get checked out to reduce your risk of complications so you can get back on your feet.
Which sports injuries affect the feet and ankles?
The Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona team specializes in treating sports injuries affecting the feet and ankles, including:
- Ankle sprains
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Peroneal tendonitis
- Stress fractures
- Bone spurs
- Sesamoid bone fractures
- Turf toe
The team also provides preventive sports medicine. Structural abnormalities like flat feet and high arches increase the risk of foot pain and mobility problems if you’re an athlete. Managing these issues before they present symptoms helps you stay active and pain-free.
How do podiatrists diagnose sports injuries?
Your Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona provider asks about your symptoms and completes a physical exam.
They look at the affected area of your foot or ankle, checking for redness, bruising, and swelling. They assess your tendon reflexes, muscle strength, and range of motion and ask you to walk around to observe your gait (how you walk).
Your provider gently presses on the affected area to pinpoint sensitive places and orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an MRI, to check for fractures or soft tissue damage.
After identifying the type and severity of your sports injury, they make personalized treatment recommendations.
How are sports injuries treated?
The Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona team treats sports injuries with a conservative, minimally invasive approach. Your provider might suggest:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Physical therapy
- Custom orthotics (prescription shoe inserts)
- Wearing a walking boot, cast, or splint
- Wearing comfortable shoes that support your feet
- Improving your posture and form
Most sports injuries respond to one or more of these treatments. However, if your symptoms continue or get worse, you might benefit from orthopedic surgery. For example, if you break several bones in your foot, your provider might repair the injury with pins, plates, and screws.
Call Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona today to schedule treatment for a sports injury, or book your appointment online.