Sports Foot and Ankle Injuries Treatment Specialist in Lyndhurst, OH

Sports-related ankle injuries include damage or harm done to the ankle joint or surrounding tissues during sports or recreational activities. These injuries are common among athletes and individuals engaged in physical activities and range from minor sprains and strains to severe fractures and dislocations.

The most commonly dealt with sports-related ankle injuries are sprains and strains. A sprain involves damage to the ligaments, while a strain involves damage to the muscles or tendons. These injuries usually occur when the ankle is forced out of its normal position, causing these structures to stretch or tear.

More severe injuries include bone fractures, which occur when excessive force is applied to the bone, causing it to break. Specific types of ankle injuries in sports that she can address include lateral ankle sprains, medial ankle sprains, high ankle sprains, syndesmosis injuries, Achilles tendon ruptures, and ankle fractures.

If you experience symptoms like pain, swelling, bruising, instability, difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle, or a visible deformity of the ankle, it is important to seek medical attention. The treatment for sports-related ankle injuries typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), pain relief medication, physiotherapy, and, in certain cases, surgery. Dr. Shaper emphasizes the importance of seeking prompt medical attention for any ankle discomfort following a sports activity, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and promote a faster recovery.

An ankle sprain, which is typically caused by twisting, rolling, or turning the foot beyond its normal motions, is a type of sports injury frequently seen. This injury is especially prevalent in sporting activities like basketball, soccer, and running, all of which require substantial footwork.

Treatment for an ankle sprain typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Depending on the severity of your sprain, physical therapy may be necessary to strengthen your affected ligaments and restore your range of motion. Most importantly, we understand that every patient is unique, so we individualize your treatment plan to suit your specific needs and goals.

In addition to providing effective treatment, Dr. Shaper also focuses on preventive measures for ankle sprains. She educates her patients on the importance of maintaining good physical conditioning, using proper equipment, and employing correct techniques in sports. However, she acknowledges that even with these preventive measures, accidents can still happen. Therefore, should you experience an ankle sprain, Dr. Shaper is ready to provide prompt and appropriate treatment to ensure a speedy recovery and a return to your sports activities.

Recognizing the severity of a foot injury is critical to receiving timely and appropriate medical attention. The level of pain does not always correlate with the severity of the injury, but there are signs and symptoms that suggest a serious foot condition.

Key Indicators of Serious Foot Injuries:

● Severe pain & inability to bear weight: Pain that worsens over time, particularly when bearing weight, or an inability to walk or put pressure on the foot, can indicate a serious issue.

● Swelling and bruising: Severe swelling that remains after a few days of rest and icing could point to a fracture or sprain. If you experience rapid and severe swelling and bruising that extends to the ankle or higher, reach out to a medical professional immediately.

● Deformity: Noticeable changes in the shape or alignment of the foot or ankle, or apparent dislocation, are signs that require immediate medical attention.

● Numbness or tingling: Loss of sensation or a prickly feeling in the foot or toes could suggest nerve damage, which necessitates immediate medical attention.

● Open wounds, bleeding, and drainage: Deep lacerations, puncture wounds, or any other breaks in the skin that expose underlying tissues, uncontrollable bleeding, or discharge of pus, blood, or other fluids from an open wound all suggest a serious injury and potential infection.

● Fever or chills: These may indicate an infection or inflammation that has spread beyond the injury site.

First Aid Tips:

● Immobilize the injured foot and elevate it to reduce swelling.
● Apply ice to the injured area for 15-minute intervals to reduce pain and inflammation.
● Avoid removing foreign objects from open wounds.
● Clean minor wounds with antiseptic soap and water and cover them with a sterile bandage.
● Seek medical attention if the pain or swelling worsens or if any other signs of a serious injury appear.

It is important to seek professional advice, even if symptoms seem minor. Ignoring a foot injury can lead to long-term damage and chronic pain, so it’s vital to take foot injuries seriously.

1. Acute Traumatic Injuries: Acute traumatic injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations, which are common foot and ankle problems among athletes. With our in-depth understanding of foot anatomy and biomechanics, we can accurately diagnose these conditions and implement effective treatment plans to restore function and alleviate pain.

2. Overuse or Chronic Injuries: Chronic injuries, like stress fractures and tendonitis, are common in athletes whose sports involve repetitive foot and ankle movements. A personalized treatment plan will be provided for you, this may involve lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, or, when necessary, surgical procedures.

3. Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprain or strains can be treating with various methods including physical therapy, medication, and, when needed, minimally invasive surgery.

4. Contact or Head Injuries: While contact or head injuries are not the focus of Finesse Footcare, we understand their implications and the necessary referrals to make. We work closely with other medical professionals to ensure our patients receive comprehensive care.

Sports injuries require immediate and proper medical attention. As a qualified podiatric physician, Dr. Shaper is committed to ensuring her patients recover safely and effectively. Furthermore, she provides valuable advice on injury prevention, such as proper footwear, warm-up exercises, and maintaining one’s physical limits. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 5035 Mayfield Rd, Lyndhurst, OH 44124. We serve patients from Lyndhurst OH, Chagrin Falls OH, Beachwood OH, Pepper Pike OH, Woodmere OH, Hunting Valley OH, Solon OH, Mayfield OH, Moreland Hills OH, Orange OH and surrounding areas.