How your podiatrist in Ridgefield can help

If you play sports, you know how your feet can suffer. When you play sports, you are at risk for injuries to your feet and ankles that can put you on the sidelines of your own life. Fortunately, help is just a phone call away. Dr. Allan Rosenthal at Advanced Foot Care Center in Ridgefield, CT wants you to know about some common sports injuries and how to get relief.

Plantar fasciitis and heel pain are common in runners. Plantar fasciitis is caused from inflammation of the thick band of tissue running across your heel, called the plantar fascia. You may experience sharp, severe pain around your heel and the side of your foot. To get relief from plantar fasciitis, Dr. Rosenthal wants you to:

• Rest and get off of your feet
• Ice your heel for 15 minutes several times each day
• Take over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen
• Do arch stretches several times each day

Shin splints are characterized by swelling, pain or soreness along the large bone in the front of your leg called the tibia. You can get shin splints from overworking and overstressing the muscles, tendons and bones in your lower leg. To get relief from shin splints, Dr. Rosenthal wants you to:

• Rest and apply ice packs for 15 minutes several times each day
• Take over-the counter pain relieving medications like Tylenol
• Try low impact exercises like swimming until you heal

Foot fractures and ankle fractures can also happen, especially if you play contact sports. You may have a fracture if you have throbbing pain and swelling that gets worse if you put weight on it. Fractures need treatment by a medical professional. When you visit Dr. Rosenthal, he may suggest these treatments: to promote healing and increase strength and flexibility:

• Placing your foot or ankle in a cast while it is healing
• Prescribing medication to reduce inflammation and pain
• Recommending physical therapy exercises
• Recommending surgery for severe foot or ankle fractures

Remember no matter what sport or activity you undertake, always wear the appropriate supportive footwear to protect your feet and ankles. If you are trying a new sport or activity, go slow, especially if you haven’t been exercising and always stretch for several minutes before any activity.

For more information on types of sports injuries, call Dr. Rosenthal at Advanced Foot Care Center in Ridgefield, CT. Protect yourself and your feet by calling today!