Are you dealing with a foot and ankle injury? Find out if it’s time to call your doctor
Playing sports is great for your health, confidence and wellbeing, no matter if you’re a kid or a senior; however, whether you are involved in recreational sports, CrossFit or strength training at your area gym, injuries may occur that require the care of our Redmond, WA, board-certified podiatrists Dr. Anthony Lo and Dr. Rodney Yen.
What Kinds of Sports Injuries Does a Podiatrist Treat?
Foot and ankle injuries are incredibly common, especially in sports. The good news is that just about any sports condition or injury that impacts the health or function of the feet or ankles can be treated by our Redmond, WA, foot and ankle specialists, including,
- Sprains and strains
- Foot, ankle and toe fractures
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Heel spurs
- Stress fractures
- Shin splints
How Do I Prevent Foot and Ankle Sports Injuries?
There really aren’t any secrets to protecting your feet and ankles from injury when playing sports. The tips and habits for protecting your feet and ankles while playing sports is pretty straightforward,
- Warm up the entire body before playing sports. This means about 10-15 minutes of calisthenics and active stretching to get the blood pumping through the extremities to reduce the risk for injury.
- Wear the proper protective gear and padding for your chosen sport. Not wearing a helmet, mouthguard or protective padding could result in serious injuries.
- Wear properly fitted footwear that is appropriate to your chosen sport. Make sure to have your shoes fitted for you by a shoe specialist.
- Find out if custom orthotics crafted by our Redmond, WA, podiatrists could also provide additional cushioning, shock absorption, ankle stabilization and support for your hardworking feet.
- Condition your body, including your feet and ankles, to prepare for the season. You won’t and shouldn’t just jump immediately into the season without preparation because this could result in serious injury. You want to cross-train and condition during the off-season to have a successful and safe on-season.
When Should I See a Podiatrist for Care?
Minor injuries can often be eased with home care and rest; however, not all injuries are equal. Some will require professional care from a qualified podiatrist to ensure the injury heals properly and there are no further complications. You should see your podiatrist for a sports injury when,
- Your symptoms are severe
- Your symptoms last days and don’t ease up or respond to home care
- Your symptoms are getting worse
- You have trouble putting weight on the affected foot or ankle
- You heard a popping sound at the moment of the injury
- Your ankle feels weak, unstable or like it’s going to “give out”
- You develop numbness, tingling or weakness in your feet
- You notice a visible deformity or change in the shape of your foot or ankle after the injury
With offices in Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah and Redmond, WA, Podiatry Associates Northwest is the premier podiatrist’s practice in Washington state, specializing in sports injury prevention and treatment. To schedule a sports injuries evaluation with our team, call (206) 420-3119 today.