You can be in great physical condition and still suffer a sports injury. Feet, ankles, and toes are especially vulnerable to stress and trauma. Your podiatrist is an expert in the treatment of sports injuries affecting your feet, ankles, and toes.

Common Sports Injuries to Feet, Ankles, and Toes

Shin splints, cause pain running down the front of your leg, next to the tibia; leg stress without proper stretching can cause shin splints.

Dislocated or fractured bones, cause swelling, bruising, severe pain, and loss of function; impact sports like soccer and football can cause this injury.

Tendon or ligament tears or strain, which causes severe pain and instability; leg stress without proper stretching can cause this injury.

Plantar fasciitis, which causes pain on your heel and down the side of your foot; runners and joggers often have this injury.

Toenail damage, which causes pressure under your toenail and moderate to severe toe pain; impact sports like soccer, football, and basketball can cause this injury.

What You Can Do for a Mild Sports Injury

A mild sports injury may heal using a few simple home remedies like these:

• Applying ice for 15 minutes several times each day

• Elevating and resting the area to take weight and stress off of it

• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication

When You Need To See The Podiatrist for a Sports Injury

If you experience a sports injury to your feet, ankles, or toes, you should see a podiatrist if you notice signs or symptoms like these:

• Severe pain or swelling

• An inability to put weight on the injured area

• Differences in your foot, ankle, or toe structure

• Popping or snapping when you injured yourself

• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in your foot or ankle

How Your Podiatrist Can Treat Your Sports Injury

Dr. Thomas offers comprehensive foot and ankle care, including several treatment options for sports injuries. He may recommend:

• Orthotics for plantar fasciitis and other conditions

• Prescription anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain

• Assistive devices like casts and crutches to take the weight off of your injury

• Surgical treatment to realign fractured or broken bones

• Physical therapy to help you regain mobility and strength

To find out more about how your podiatrist can help when you have a sports injury, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Jeremy Thomas at Triangle Foot & Ankle Specialist in Southern Pines, NC. You can reach him in the office by calling (910) 757-0058, so call now.