Sports Injuries

Sports injuries commonly affect the feet and ankles but can worsen or keep you from your favorite activities without treatment. At Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, in Marrero, Louisiana, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons, Catherine Hudson, DPM, Denise Elliott, DPM, and the team provide complete care for various sports injuries, including tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and ankle sprains. Call Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, today to receive treatment for a sports injury, or book your appointment online.

What are sports injuries?

Sports injuries happen during physical activities, like exercise or running. They can occur suddenly due to trauma or develop gradually because of repetitive use or general wear-and-tear. 

Most sports injuries improve with rest, ice, and activity modification, but if your symptoms continue or affect your normal routine, seek treatment.

What are some common sports injuries?

The Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, team treats sports injuries affecting the feet and ankles, including:

• Sprained ankles
• Muscle strains
• Tendinitis
• Bone spurs
• Plantar fasciitis
• Hammertoe
• Calluses
• Bunions

They also care for traumatic injuries, including fractures and dislocated joints.

What are the symptoms of sports injuries?

Sports injury symptoms include:

• Trouble moving your foot or ankle normally
• Swelling
• Stiffness or weakness
• Decreased range of motion
• Bruising
• Aches pain or tenderness

If you break a bone or dislocate a joint, your foot might have a visible abnormality, like a bump or a knot.

How are sports injuries diagnosed?

Your Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, provider reviews your medical records and completes a physical exam. They check the injured area looking for redness, swelling, or bruising, and test your range of motion. 

If you have severe pain or a visible abnormality, your provider orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI. These procedures create photos of your bones, joints, and soft tissues and can help your provider diagnose a specific injury.

How are sports injuries treated?

Treatment of sports injuries depends on the location, type, and severity. The Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, team typically recommends a conservative and minimally invasive approach, including:

• Immobilization with a cast or splint
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Prescription anti-inflammatory medication
• Corticosteroid injections 

If your injury worsens or doesn’t improve, you may benefit from foot or ankle surgery. Surgery can correct fractures or repair torn muscles, tendons, or ligaments.

How can I reduce my risk of sports injuries?

The Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, team recommends wearing the proper shoes and safety equipment during workouts, learning the proper technique (and using it), and choosing sports and activities that are non-contact. 

Call Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, today to receive treatment for a sports injury, or make your appointment online.