To continue in the sport you love, you must prevent injury. At Advanced Foot Care Center in Ridgefield CT, Dr. Allan Rosenthal is a sports enthusiast himself. He understands how important avoiding sports injuries are. You can keep your feet and ankles free of Ridgefield sports injuries and stay in the game.
What's the most common podiatric injury?
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) says its the ankle sprain, that painful swelling on the sides of the ankle. It comes from a sudden twisting of the ankle joint, leading to an overstretching or even tearing of ligaments and tendons.
Often an ankle sprain occurs during a competitive sport, such as soccer, or you may injure an ankle as you run on an uneven surface. This kind of injury is called acute. However, overuse or chronic injury also happens when we just overdo it--whatever activity that involves.
Other common Ridgefield sports injuries include:
- Achilles tendinitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Stress fractures of the metatarsal bones in the foot
- Turf toe, a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal joint
If you get a Ridgefield sports injury
Start first aid. For instance, in the case of an ankle sprain, employ the RICE protocol: rest, ice, compression (with an elastic bandage), and elevation of the foot. Take over the counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain, and contact Dr. Rosenthal in his Ridgefield CT office for advice on your sports injury.
He may advise a trip to the hospital ER or wish to see you for an exam, X-rays, and other diagnostics. He'll compile treatment strategies to stabilize your extremity and get you back on your feet.
How to prevent sports injuries
A little thought, planning, and training consistency prevent sports injuries. Here are some easy strategies:
- Stay in good physical condition. In other words, don't be a weekend warrior, but exercise and train regularly.
- Warm-up, stretch and do strengthening exercises.
- Wear properly fitting footwear which is right for your sport. Replace your shoes whenever they show signs of wear.
- Wear shoe inserts (orthotics) for proper balance and gait as advised by your podiatrist.
- Run and walk on flat surfaces.
- Wear proper protective equipment, such as shin pads.
- Never ignore pain, swelling, tenderness, or redness. Contact Dr. Rosenthal right away.
Contact us
At Advanced Foot Care Center in Ridgefield CT, we want you to enjoy your active lifestyle and avoid sports injuries. Let us help you have the healthiest feet and ankles possible. Call today for a podiatric exam with Dr. Allan Rosenthal: (203) 431-0048.
