Aches and pains aren’t unusual after a weekend game of softball or a successful run in the local 5K. Unfortunately, those twinges can sometimes be more than just a temporary annoyance. Doctors Harvey D. Lederman, DPM, Marc A. Lederman, DPM, and Kurt W. Rode, DPM, of West Hartford Podiatry treat a variety of sports-related foot and ankle injuries. They share some of the more common sports injuries West Hartford athletes experience.
Sprains and strains
Sprains and strains are the most common type of sports injuries and usually occur when you overuse or overstretch a muscle. Strains happen when the tendons or muscle fibers are injured, while sprains occur because the ligaments, the bands of connective tissues that attach muscles to bones, are stretched or torn. Podiatrists often treat sprains in the big toe joint, midfoot area and ankle.
Toenail injuries
Toenail injuries can be a problem when you participate in a sport. Although these injuries can occur if your shoes are too tight, simply wearing shoes while you exercise may cause the problem, particularly if you play a sport that requires quick movements that push your toes against the ends or tops of your shoes. Toenails can eventually turn black or separate from the toe.
Tendon injuries
Painful tendon injuries occur due to intense exercise, sprains, trauma and muscle imbalances. These injuries may affect your arch, heel, the Achilles tendon, the extensor tendon on the top of your foot or the peroneal tensdon on the side of your foot.
Fractures
Trauma to your foot or ankle can cause painful, debilitating fractures. Although it’s often obvious that you have a serious injury after a fracture, stress fractures aren’t quite as dramatic but can be just as painful. Stress fractures occur when your overworked muscles can no longer absorb shock and transfer the load to your bones, which results in a small crack. Stress fractures are common in upper inside part of your foot and the ball of your foot.
When should you call your podiatrist?
Ice and rest can be helpful for many sports injuries, but sometimes a prompt visit to your podiatrist can help you avoid further damage to your foot or ankle. Call your podiatrist if you experience:
- Bruising or bleeding at the site of an injury
- Extreme swelling
- Difficulty walking
- Black toenails that pull away from the toe
- Persistent or extreme pain
Still suffering from your weekend sporting event? Call Doctors Harvey D. Lederman, DPM, Marc A. Lederman, DPM, and Kurt W. Rode, DPM, of West Hartford Podiatry at (860) 236-2564. The West Hartford foot doctors treat a full range of sports injuries and other foot and ankle conditions.