Our Las Vegas Podiatrist Can Help You Get Back in the Game
No one expects to be sidelined from the sport they love. At Centennial Foot & Ankle, Las Vegas podiatrist Dr. David Biesinger and his team are committed to helping you return to the activities you enjoy. Whether it is creating a custom orthotic to wear inside your shoes or treatment for heel pain or a sprained ankle, we have you covered. Don’t delay treatment when we can provide options to help you get back to living an active lifestyle.
Types of Sports Injuries
Sports injuries can happen to various parts of the body, but the feet and ankles are especially vulnerable due to the high levels of impact and stress they endure. Some common types of sports injuries that we can treat at our Las Vegas podiatry office are:
- Achilles tendonitis. This injury involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is common in athletes who suddenly increase the intensity or duration of their training.
- Ankle sprains. Sprained ankles occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear. This can happen during activities that involve sudden twists or turns.
- Plantar fasciitis. This painful condition is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot. Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain and is common among runners and those who engage in activities that place a lot of stress on the heels.
- Shin splints. Pain along the shin bone is common among runners, especially those who increase their activity level or run on hard surfaces.
- Stress fractures. Small cracks in the bone, often caused by repetitive force or overuse, are typical in sports that involve running and jumping.
- Turf toe. This is a sprain of the big toe joint resulting from hyperextension, which is often seen in athletes who play on artificial turf.
Sports Injuries Treatment Options
At Centennial Foot and Ankle, we understand how frustrating sports injuries can be. You want to get back to action as soon as you can, but not giving your body enough time and care for a full recovery can risk re-injury. This increases your chances of chronic problems.
Dr. Biesinger and his team are committed to helping you get back on your feet as quickly and safely as possible. The treatment plan we recommend for a sports injury largely depends on the type, location, and severity of the injury, as well as your specific goals and needs.
We may recommend the following as part of your treatment plan:
- Rest and activity modification. It is important to give your injured area time to heal. This may mean taking a break from the activity that caused your injury or modifying your activities to prevent further strain.
- Physical therapy. Rehabilitation exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the injured area, improve flexibility, and restore range of motion.
- Custom orthotics. Custom-made orthotic devices can provide additional support and alleviate pressure on the injured area, aiding in the healing process and preventing further injury.
- Medication. Anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers might be prescribed to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Ice and compression. Applying ice packs and using compression wraps can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain in the early stages of an injury.
- Surgery. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair damaged tissues, such as torn ligaments or fractures that do not heal with conservative treatment.
- Education and prevention. Dr. Biesinger can provide guidance on proper footwear, training techniques, and stretching routines to help you avoid future injuries.