Sports Injury Care for Active Patients

What You Need To Know

A patient guide to common sports injuries of the foot and ankle.

Sports Injuries of the Foot and Ankle

Podiatrists have training in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect the lower leg, ankle, and foot. We treat any injury of the lower leg, ankle, or foot, including foot and ankle fractures, ankle sprains (including high ankle sprains), muscle strains, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon problems, leg cramps, shin splints, and flexor tendon injuries.

Some of the most common reasons to see a podiatrist after a sports injury are moderate or severe bruising, weakness in the leg or foot, pain or difficulty bearing weight, feeling like your leg, ankle, or foot may give out, foot and ankle fractures, swelling, decreased range of motion, and heel pain. Specific conditions we see often include turf toe (a sprain of the big toe joint from hyperextension), cuboid syndrome (misalignment of the cuboid bone on the outer foot), and talar dome or osteochondral lesions (injuries to the cartilage and underlying bone inside the ankle joint).

Sports injuries can result from a single traumatic event, such as an ankle sprain or a jammed toe on artificial turf, or from repetitive stress over time. Risk factors include high-impact activity, improper footwear, flat feet or overpronation, and prior ankle injuries that did not fully heal.

Our podiatrists perform a variety of orthopedic tests and assessments to diagnose sports injuries. We have digital X-rays available on-site and can refer you for additional imaging, like an MRI, if needed. Exams are thorough and efficient, so you can get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment as soon as possible.

Treatment, Recovery, and Prevention

Since the severity of sports injuries varies widely, we work with you to determine the best course of treatment based on your symptoms, diagnosis, and goals for returning to play. Treatment is thorough and incorporates a mix of passive therapies, like ice, heat, shockwave therapy, MLS Laser Therapy, and taping, along with active rehab and physical therapy to speed up your healing.

For acute injuries like turf toe, initial care often includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with a change to less-flexible footwear such as a stiff-sole shoe or walking boot. For cuboid syndrome, conservative care may involve manual repositioning of the cuboid bone, supportive footwear, custom orthotics, physical therapy, and taping or bracing. For talar dome or osteochondral lesions, nonsurgical options include immobilization, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and ankle bracing.

For fractures and other serious injuries, we repair the damage before rehabbing your muscles and joints to help you get back to the gym or on the field. When conservative care is not enough, surgical options may include removal of loose cartilage or bone fragments, microfracture surgery, cartilage repair, or osteochondral grafting.

Prevention is a key part of our care. Your podiatrist can help you choose the best shoes for your sport and identify areas of weakness that may have contributed to your injury. With the right plan and a gradual return to activity, most patients recover well.