Find out the best ways to handle an injured foot so you can get back on your feet quickly.

Most people at some point during their lifetime will have to face a foot injury of some kind. Regardless of the situation or magnitude, it’s important that everyone is able to get the proper foot care they deserve, and our Gainesville, VA, podiatrist Dr. Mukesh Bhakta is here to provide it. Are you dealing with any of these common foot injuries?

Strains and Sprains

Strains and sprains are commonplace within the world of sports. Most athletes, at some point in time, will deal with strained or sprained muscles, ligaments or other soft tissue within the feet.

Treatment options: Most minor or moderate strains and sprains can be treated through the RICE method: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Of course, if you are dealing with a more severe sprain then our Gainesville, VA, podiatry physician will determine whether you may require a cast or boot to protect the foot or ankle from additional wear and tear.

Fractures

Stress fractures are a pretty common injury, particularly for runners. As you can imagine, if you don’t have the proper technique or if there is an imbalance within the structure of the foot, pounding the pavement could lead to these stress fractures.

Treatment options: Luckily, in most cases, a stress fracture will heal by itself if you rest and treat your feet with care. Nix running or participating in any other high-impact activities until the fracture has completely healed. Only wear supportive footwear or talk to us about whether a protective boot could also provide better protection and coverage to help your foot heal faster.

Plantar fasciitis

This is one of the common causes of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis leads to inflammation within the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs under the foot from the heel to the toes. If your heel pain is worse in the morning but eases up throughout the day then you could be dealing with a bout of plantar fasciitis.

Treatment options: Most treatment options are simple, everyday measures you can take to ease symptoms under the plantar fascia heals. Everything from stretching your feet and legs and icing your heel to wearing supportive footwear and avoiding high-impact activities can help speed up your recovery time.

If you aren’t experiencing the relief you need from your injury or if your symptoms are getting worse, it’s necessary that you get the answers you need to get your health back on track. Call Prince William Foot & Ankle Center in Gainesville, VA, today.