Sports & Foot/Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries can happen during sports, exercise, work, or everyday activities. Some occur suddenly from a fall, twist, or impact, while others develop gradually from repetitive stress or overuse. Pain, swelling, stiffness, bruising, or difficulty walking can all be signs that an injury needs evaluation.Because the feet and ankles contain numerous bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments working together, pain in the same area can have several different causes. Identifying the source of the problem is important for choosing the appropriate treatment and preventing an injury from becoming more persistent.
Common Foot & Ankle Injuries
Ankle Sprains & Strains
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn, often following a sudden twist or awkward landing. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty putting weight on the affected foot.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel and is placed under significant stress during walking, running, and jumping. Overuse or sudden injury can lead to Achilles tendinitis, strains, or, in more serious cases, a tendon rupture.
Foot & Ankle Fractures
Fractures can result from falls, sports injuries, direct impact, or other trauma. Pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty bearing weight are common symptoms. Proper diagnosis is important because some fractures may initially resemble a sprain.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that typically develop from repetitive activity rather than a single injury. They are particularly common among runners and people who suddenly increase the intensity or duration of physical activity.
Toe & Forefoot Injuries
Jammed toes, fractures, ligament injuries, and repetitive pressure can cause pain and swelling in the toes or forefoot. Even relatively small injuries can interfere with walking and athletic activity.
Tendonitis & Overuse Injuries
Repeated stress on the foot and ankle can irritate tendons and surrounding tissues. These injuries may cause gradually increasing pain, tenderness, stiffness, or swelling and are common in people who participate regularly in sports or exercise.
Heel & Arch Injuries
Running, jumping, prolonged standing, and repetitive impact can contribute to injuries affecting the heel or arch. Persistent pain should be evaluated to determine whether it is related to the plantar fascia, tendons, bones, or other structures of the foot.
Treatment for Sports & Foot/Ankle Injuries
- Activity modification and appropriate rest
- Immobilization, bracing, or supportive footwear
- Orthotics when appropriate
- Stretching and rehabilitation exercises
- Treatment to reduce pain and inflammation
- Diagnostic imaging when needed to evaluate the injury
- Referral for surgical treatment when appropriate for severe injuries
Dr. Lonnie Resnick can evaluate acute and persistent foot and ankle injuries, determine the source of the problem, and recommend an individualized treatment plan designed to restore function and help patients safely return to their normal activities.