Sports Injuries / Foot and Ankle Injuries

If you’re athletic, you’re at higher risk of foot and ankle injuries than those who aren’t, but anybody can suffer foot and ankle injuries. A podiatrist can help you prevent injuries before they occur, prevent complications from minor injuries, and recover fully from significant injuries.

For prevention and treatment of foot and ankle injuries, schedule your appointment with the veteran podiatrists at Starrett Podiatry. They're conveniently located throughout the greater New York area in six locations: East Harlem and West Harlem in New York City; Brooklyn, New York; and Mott Haven and Belmont in Bronx, New York.

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What are the most common foot and ankle injuries?

There are two kinds of foot and ankle injuries; sudden, acute injuries and overuse injuries.

Acute injuries are those that occur as a result of one accident or awkward movement and include bruises, lacerations, ruptured tendons, torn ligaments, sprains, strains, fractures, locations, and crushing injuries.

Overuse injuries are those that are caused by years of repetitive motion in sports or work and include bursitis, tendinitis, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and metatarsalgia.

What causes foot and ankle injuries?

Sports like football, soccer, basketball, tennis, and running are common culprits for foot and ankle injuries. However, anyone can suffer an injury from a trip or fall, awkward movements, automobile accident, or another incident.

How are foot and ankle injuries treated?

Although every injury is unique, treatment follows a similar course. In severe cases, treatment may begin at a later stage in the process listed here:

  • Conservative treatment, including ice, elevation, rest, compression, anti-inflammatory medications, and custom orthotics
  • Minimally invasive treatments like cortisone injections or removal of fluid
  • Physical therapy designed to strengthen the supporting muscles and rebuild range of motion
  • Surgical correction like bone or ligament reconstruction

Your podiatrist is focused on your full recovery; they will always start with the least invasive treatment option that has the potential to produce the outcome you want.

When should I see a podiatrist?

You should schedule a podiatry appointment as soon as you suffer an injury, even if it’s minor. Podiatrists can assist in identifying the risk of complications and then mitigating those risks early, so you’re able to regain full functional and resolve pain as quickly as possible.

Additionally, podiatrists can be brought in before an injury occurs; if you’re experiencing weakness or instability in your foot or ankle, a podiatrist can prescribe custom orthotics to give you the stability and strength you need.

Will I recover fully from a foot or ankle injury?

The answer depends on how severe your injury is and how soon you receive treatment from an experienced podiatrist. If you’re working to recover from a foot or ankle injury and would like a second opinion, schedule a consultation with the proactive doctors at Starrett Podiatry in New York today.