Ankle Sprain Services 

Providing treatment for injuries from sports activities

At Kansas City Foot and Ankle, we diagnose and treat many types of common foot and ankle injuries including tendonitis, ankle sprains, stress fractures and traumatic injuries. Sports injuries are being seen with increased frequency as America continues to make regular exercise part of their overall fitness plan.  Sports injuries to the foot and ankle can be caused by trauma, improper warm-up, overuse, improper foot wear, and playing on hard surfaces. At our office, we treat sports injuries with a working knowledge of individual sports and their commonly associated injuries.

Generally there are two types of injuries related to athletic activities:

• Overuse injuries, which include tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures.
• Traumatic injuries occur from a specific event such as an ankle sprain, contusion, or traumatic fracture.

Common Conditions from Sports Injuries

A stress fracture is a break in the bone caused by overuse. Up to 15% of all sport injuries are stress fractures. Symptoms of stress fractures include pain, swelling, and redness. If these symptoms appear, immediately follow RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Contact our office for an appointment. We will perform a thorough examination, which will include x-rays in order to diagnose a stress fracture. Treatments include immobilizing the foot with the use of an orthopedic boot or cast. Depending on the location and extent of the fracture, you may be able to ambulate in a cast boot. Remaining non-weightbearing may be necessary to keep you comfortable and allow proper bone healing. Ignoring a possible stress fracture can lead to a total bone break.

Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain occurs by stretching or tearing one or more ligaments on either or both side of the ankle.  Ignoring a sprain won’t let it heal any faster.  Ankle injuries that are serious enough to cause disabling pains should be treated.  Further examination may reveal an injured tendon or bone fracture.  Common treatments for sprains include rest, elevation, compression, ice and anti-inflammatory medication.  More serious sprains may call for crutches and other walking devices.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon due to overuse and often combines with instability in the way the foot functions.

Injury Prevention

Yes, there are ways to prevent injuries.  You should always start slowly and increase your mileage or level of activity slowly over time.  Never increase your mileage more than 10% per week.  Always wear appropriate shoes for your particular athletic activity.  Make sure you have appropriate support in the shoe such as good over the counter insoles, or custom molded orthotics.

Footwear

Studies have shown that after 350 miles on a pair of running shoes, you are more prone to injuries.  Injuries are more likely because either the stability of the shoes has broken down or you lose quite a bit of the shock absorption as compared to when the shoes were new.

Shoes are very specialized today.  Wear appropriate shoes for the sport you are participating in.  In other words, don’t wear running shoes that are built for forward motion to play basketball or tennis or sports where side to side motion is common.  Basketball and specialized tennis shoes are appropriate for their respective sports, but running in high top basketball shoes is not ideal.

If you play a sport more than twice per week, it is especially important to take your time to research the best shoes and make an investment in your footwear.  Remember, shoes wear out so change your footwear as recommended.

Exercise

Warming up your muscles and stretching your muscles, tendons and ligaments is important to prevent injuries.  Do a light warm-up and then stretch before getting more aggressive with your exercising.  When taking a break, like when you’re sitting on the bench or on the sidelines, it’s a good idea to keep your muscles warm and stretched.  Definitely stretch after running and exercising.  Exercising hard or participating in sports without proper warm-up is inviting cold muscles, torn tendons, and other injuries.

In general, if you are having pain when returning to exercising, it may be too soon.  We do not subscribe to the ‘no pain, no gain’ theory.  Let pain be your guide.  You may need to begin with exercises that impart less stress to your feet and ankles, such as using an elliptical machine instead of a treadmill or swimming.
When you exercise it’s important to use your orthotics.  Orthotics provides the best stability and foot function for your feet.  They eliminate the muscle imbalance that is occurring in your feet when not controlled with appropriate orthotics.  When you exercise you need them the most, that’s when you’re hardest on your feet.

Common Amateur Sports Leading to Foot and Ankle Injuries and How to Avoid Them 

Introduction 

At Kansas City Foot and Ankle, we understand the importance of staying active and enjoying your favorite sports. However, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks to your feet and ankles. Certain amateur sports are more likely to lead to foot and ankle injuries. In this blog post, we'll explore these sports and provide tips on how to avoid injuries, ensuring you stay healthy and active. 

Basketball 

Basketball is a high-intensity sport that involves a lot of jumping, pivoting, and sudden changes in direction. These movements put significant stress on the ankles, making sprains and fractures common 

Prevention Tips: ·        

• Wear Proper Footwear: Invest in high-quality basketball shoes with good ankle support. ·        
• Strength Training: Strengthen your ankle muscles with exercises like calf raises and ankle circles. ·        
• Warm-Up: Always warm up before playing to increase flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. 

Soccer 

Soccer players are prone to foot and ankle injuries due to the constant running, quick direction changes, and physical contact. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and Achilles tendonitis 

Prevention Tips: ·        

• Use Appropriate Shoes: Wear soccer cleats that fit well and provide adequate support. ·        
• Stretch Regularly: Incorporate stretching exercises into your routine to maintain flexibility. ·        
• Conditioning: Improve your overall fitness to reduce the strain on your feet and ankles. 

Running 

Running, especially on hard surfaces, can lead to overuse injuries such as plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and Achilles tendonitis. 

Prevention Tips: ·        

• Choose the Right Shoes: Select running shoes that match your foot type and running style. ·        
• Gradual Increase: Increase your running distance and intensity gradually to avoid overuse injuries. ·        
• Cross-Training: Incorporate other forms of exercise to give your feet a break and reduce repetitive stress. 

Volleyball 

Volleyball involves frequent jumping and landing, which can lead to ankle sprains and fractures. The quick lateral movements also increase the risk of injury 

 Prevention Tips: ·        

Ankle Braces: Consider wearing ankle braces for additional support during games. Plyometric Exercises: Engage in plyometric exercises to improve your jumping technique and strengthen your ankles. Proper Technique: Focus on proper landing techniques to minimize the impact on your ankles. Dance Dancers, especially those involved in ballet, are at high risk for foot and ankle injuries due to the repetitive stress and extreme positions required. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and tendonitis.

Prevention Tips: ·        

• Supportive Footwear: Use appropriate dance shoes that provide support and cushioning. ·        
• Strength and Flexibility: Regularly perform exercises to strengthen and stretch your feet and ankles. ·        
• Rest and Recovery: Ensure you have adequate rest periods to allow your body to recover. 

Conclusion 

While participating in sports is a fantastic way to stay fit and healthy, it's essential to take precautions to protect your feet and ankles. By following these prevention tips, you can reduce the risk of injury and continue enjoying your favorite activities. If you do experience any foot or ankle issues, don't hesitate to contact Kansas City Foot and Ankle for expert care and treatment. 

Stay active, stay safe!

Appointment

If you are struggling with a sports injury anywhere in the Greater Kansas City area, call our office to set up an appointment. We would be happy to assist in your foot care. 816.943.1111.