Foot and Ankle Sports Injuries

Sports injuries affecting the foot and ankle are among the most common issues faced by athletes. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur, the physical demands of sports can take a toll on these critical parts of your body. Understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms, and knowing when to seek professional help are essential steps in maintaining foot and ankle health.

At Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Greater Columbus, we specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing sports injuries. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you get back on your feet quickly and safely. Contact us today!

Do I Need Surgery?

Visiting an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t mean that surgery is necessary. Our orthopedic doctors always prefer to use non-surgical procedures to treat injuries.

What Our Patients Say

“They make you feel very comfortable and explain things well. I would definitely recommend to anyone with foot or ankle pain.” — Carrie J.

Common Causes of Sports Injuries

Foot and ankle sports injuries often result from several common factors:

  • Overuse: Repetitive motions can lead to stress fractures, tendonitis, and other overuse injuries.
  • Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support or are not suited for your sport can increase the risk of injury.
  • Poor Technique: Incorrect form or technique, particularly in high-impact sports, can strain the foot and ankle.
  • Sudden Movements: Quick direction changes, jumps, or stops can lead to sprains and fractures.
  • Inadequate Warm-Up: Not warming up properly before physical activity can make muscles and tendons more prone to injury.

Common Sports-Related Injuries

Several injuries frequently affect the foot and ankle among athletes:

  • Ankle Sprain: A sprained ankle is one of the most common sports injuries. It often occurs due to twisting or rolling the ankle. Lateral ankle sprains are more common than medial ankle sprains.
  • Achilles Tendonitis: This refers to painful inflammation of the Achilles tendon. It occurs due to overuse.
  • Ankle Stress Fractures: These are small cracks in the bone usually caused by repetitive impact.
  • Plantar Fasciitis: This refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia, causing heel pain.
  • Heel Spurs: Bony growths on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis.
A basketball player with a foot and ankle injury.

How Do I Know If I Need to See an Orthopedic Surgeon?

An orthopedic surgeon can provide effective treatment and help you on the road to recovery. Consider seeing a specialist if you experience:

  • Persistent pain or swelling that does not improve with rest and home treatment.
  • Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot or ankle.
  • Visible deformities, such as a misaligned joint or bone.
  • Severe pain following an injury.
  • Inability to move the foot or ankle normally.
 

Seeking professional help promptly can prevent further damage and expedite recovery.

Treatments We Offer

At the Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments tailored to each patient’s needs:

  • Sports Medicine: We provide a variety of sports medicine services to treat and prevent ankle and foot injuries
  • Trauma Care: Our physicians can treat traumas such as complex fractures, soft tissue injuries, ankle joint dislocations, and more.
  • Physical Therapy: We provide customized exercise programs to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
  • Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications can be given to relieve pain.
  • Orthotic Devices: We provide custom-made inserts and braces to provide support and alleviate pain.
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery: Our surgeons use advanced surgical techniques to address severe injuries with minimal recovery time.
  • Reconstructive Surgery: We can provide reconstructive surgery for complex fractures, joint instability, and sports injuries.

Our goal is to provide personalized care that ensures optimal recovery and long-term health.

Prevention

Preventing foot and ankle injuries involves several proactive steps:

  • Proper Footwear: Invest in quality shoes designed for your specific sport and foot type.
  • Strength Training: Regular exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting your foot and ankle.
  • Flexibility Exercises: Stretching to maintain flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
  • Proper Technique: Ensuring you use the correct techniques and form in your sport.
  • Gradual Progression: Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your activities to avoid overuse injuries.
 

By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of sports-related foot and ankle injuries.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you have a foot or ankle injury, don’t wait to seek help. Schedule your appointment with Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Greater Columbus, today! Our team of specialists is here to provide the expert care you need to get back to your active lifestyle.

Medically reviewed by Roberto A. Brandão, DPM

Our Orthopedic Trauma Care Specialist​s​

GREGORY C. BERLET, MD

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

TERRENCE M. PHILBIN, DO

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

CHRISTOPHER F. HYER, DPM

Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Foot & Ankle Surgeon

PATRICK E. BULL, DO

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

MARK A. PRISSEL, DPM

Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Foot & Ankle Surgeon

RANDALL C. THOMAS JR., DPM

Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon

COREY J. GRIFFITH, DPM

Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon

ROBERTO A. BRANDÃO, DPM

Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Foot & Ankle Surgeon
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