Foot and ankle injuries are very common in sports, especially among people that play tennis, soccer and run on a regular basis. That is why it is necessary to take some precautions in order to prevent injury. To start off, it is important to warm up the muscles before a sporting activity. Doing a light stretch and a slow jog for two to three minutes will do the trick. A second tip is to condition your muscles. The amount of time spent on a certain activity should be increased gradually over a period of a couple weeks to build both muscle strength and mobility. A third tip is to choose athletic shoes that specifically fit your foot type. People whose feet pronate or who have low arches need shoes that provide support in both the front of the shoe and under the arch. It is also recommended to choose a shoe with more cushion and a softer platform. A fourth tip is to avoid running or stepping on uneven surfaces. Holes, tree stumps, roots and paths with a rocky terrain or loose gravel should be avoided when running. If you have ankle problems, it is best to run on a softer surface like asphalt instead of concrete. A final tip is to listen to your body. If foot and ankle pain is experienced during a sport, you should stop taking part in the activity until the pain fully subsides. It is vital to go through a full rehabilitation process before returning to the sport. This is done to prevent any recurrent injuries. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while playing a sport, it is advised to see a podiatrist. 

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with one of our podiatrists from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.