Discover the most effective treatments for sports-related foot or ankle problems.
Foot and ankle injuries are pretty common issues for athletes. Even though this is common it shouldn’t be brushed off as something unimportant. Anyone suffering from a sports-related foot or ankle injury should always seek a proper diagnosis from podiatrists in West Orange, NJ.
If you don’t see your podiatrist for treatment there is a significant possibility that the injury won’t heal properly, which could cause you some serious issues in the future. If you want to be able to enjoy physical activities for the long-term then you’ll want to come in for treatment.
Your treatment will depend on the type of sports injury you’ve incurred. Here are some of the most common types of foot and ankle injuries:
- Strains and sprains
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Turf toe
- Stress fractures
- Heel spur
- Ingrown toenail
Non-surgical treatments for sports-related injuries
When you come into our office for treatment we will perform a physical examination, as well as run a series of X-rays and other imaging tests to make a proper diagnosis. Many of the foot and ankle injuries your West Orange, NJ podiatrists see can be treated with non-surgical options. Here are some of the most common treatment options:
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Try taking an OTC anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen to keep both pain and swelling down.
Rest: Sometimes the best thing you can do is avoid all physical activities until your condition lessens. Being off your foot or ankle as much as possible will help it heal faster.
Ice: If you are experiencing pain or swelling, icing your foot or ankle is a great way to reduce both symptoms without having to take medication. Ice the injury for about 20 minutes at a time 3-4 times a day.
Elevate: When you aren’t on your feet you should have your foot propped up, keeping it above your heart to reduce inflammation.
Brace: If you need to move around, wear a supportive brace or splint to help take pressure off the injured area.
Your West Orange podiatrists will only recommend surgery if other non-surgical treatments fail to properly treat your condition. We will sit down with you and discuss your surgical options and what to expect from your recovery process.
If you are dealing with a foot or ankle injury you don’t want to wait much longer to seek treatment. Contact your West Orange, NJ foot doctors Drs. Michael Verdi and Kirsten Discepola today at Foot Health Center.