If you play sports, injuries can be a common problem, especially with high-impact sports. Your feet are especially vulnerable because they absorb a lot of the impact.
The podiatrists at Podiatry Associates of Houston in Houston, Texas offer a wide range of sports injury treatment to help you feel better. They have several convenient office locations in Houston, Katy, Willowbrook, Woodlands, Chimney Rock, and Memorial City, Texas to help you.
The first line of defense against sports injuries is to wear the appropriate footwear for the sport you are doing. You should also make certain you do heel, arch, and ankle stretches to maintain your flexibility and circulation.
Even with the best precautions, your feet are still at risk for sports injuries. These are some of the most common:
Plantar fasciitis, which develops when the thick band of tissue running across your heel, called the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. It is a common condition for runners, joggers, and people on their feet a lot. Your podiatrist may recommend icing your heel, taking over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatories, rest, and physical therapy. For severe cases of heel pain, your podiatrist may also recommend extracorporeal shock wave treatment, also called ESWT.
Shin splints, which develop because of inflammation around the tibia, the large bone in the front of your leg. Your podiatrist may recommend icing your leg, taking over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications, and resting and taking the weight off of your legs.
Fractures or dislocations, which occur due to sudden trauma or unexpected movement, or inadequate protection for your feet and ankles. For these type of injuries, they are best treated by your podiatrist. Some common ways to treat these injuries include wearing a cast or other device to immobilize your injured foot, ankle, or leg, taking prescription anti-inflammatory or pain medication, physical therapy, and surgical treatment to realign your bones, tendons, or ligaments.
You don’t have to suffer from a sports injury. Your podiatrist can help you get back on your feet fast! For more information about common sports injuries and treatment, call the podiatrists at Podiatry Associates of Houston, with offices in Houston, Katy, Willowbrook, Woodlands, Chimney Rock, and Memorial City, Texas. Call now and help your feet.