Running, jumping, and kicking are all common movements in sports that involve our feet and ankles. The frequent usage of our lower extremities makes these parts of our body susceptible to various injuries. Whether we’re on the court or on the field, these two types of injury are always a risk. So how can you prevent foot and ankle injuries, and how do you treat them? 

At OAA Orthopedic Specialists, our board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine specialists are dedicated to providing patients of all ages with accurate diagnoses and treatment options for foot and ankle injuries. Our services offer both nonsurgical and surgical options for patients struggling with lower extremity pain. Here is some useful information regarding treatment for foot and ankle injury and prevention tips to avoid this injury: 

Importance of Healthy Foot and Ankle Function 

We often take for granted proper functionality of our feet and ankles until we are struggling with a debilitating or nagging injury. But healthy feet and ankles enable us to walk, run, and jump: key movements not only on the field, but in daily life. Poor foot health can not only lead to further lower extremity complications, but can also result in back pain, problems with our posture, and leg pain. Our feet and ankles serve as the foundation of our body’s support, posture, and balance. 

What Are Common Foot and Ankle Injuries? 

Did you know that, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 25% of all athletic injuries are foot or ankle-related? If you are an athlete who has experienced the pain of this type of injury, you know the frustration of sitting on the sidelines of both your sport and your day-to-day routines. Sports that involve frequent running or jumping movements, such as running, basketball, football, soccer, and dancing, can all lead to serious lower extremity problems. Common foot and ankle injuries sustained by athletes include: 

  • Ankle sprains- Occurs when the ligaments that hold your ankle bones together stretch or tear. Movements that trigger this injury include rolling, twisting, or turning your ankle in an awkward direction. 
  • Plantar fasciitis- Inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of your foot that connects your toes to your heel bone (plantar fascia). This can cause severe heel pain.  
  • Stress fractures- A type of break or crack in the bones of your foot caused by overuse and repetitive impact. 
  • Contusions and bone bruises- A traumatic injury to the bone that can cause intense pain. It occurs when small blood vessels have been damaged and leak blood to the surrounding tissues and other blood vessels. You can experience this injury in the bones of your foot or ankle. 

Treatment for Sports Injuries: Focusing on Your Feet and Ankles

At OAA, we want you to get back on the field, on the court, or on the track. That is why we offer cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment techniques that make our sports medicine services unique. Radial Shockwave Therapy is a nonsurgical procedure that can treat several foot and ankle conditions with a 72%-80% success rate. How does it work? Let’s break it down: 

  • If you are experiencing chronic pain, your body’s defense mechanisms that respond to injury are no longer effective, causing you to feel no relief. 
  • The enPlus handpiece, a part of the Radial Shockwave Therapy system, creates pressure waves that penetrate through soft tissue and create inflammation in the treated area.
  • The new inflammatory condition triggers your body’s natural healing response. The energy from the Radial Shockwave therapy causes the release of certain bio-chemicals from the cells in your soft tissue that expedite the body’s healing process. 

Looking for a sports medicine doctor near you? Visit one of our sports medicine specialists to receive treatment and get back to the game you love. Do not allow your injury to continue disrupting your quality of life. Our foot and ankle surgery specialists provide treatment in Allentown, Bethlehem, New Tripoli, and Westgate, PA. 

If you’re struggling with a foot or ankle injury, the podiatry team at OAA wants to help. Reach out to the specialists at OAA for accurate diagnoses and specialized treatment options from our board-certified professionals.  If you’re ready to start living pain-free, schedule an appointment with us today.