Many podiatrists specialize in what is called sports injury management, which is focused on treating patients who are athletes, playing high-energy sports like basketball, football, baseball, or track and field. Learn more about the role a podiatrist plays in helping with sports injuries to the feet and ankles when you visit Dr. Keith Rosenthal, or a member of The Center for Foot and Ankle Medicine in Howell & Brick, NJ.
About Sports Injury Management in Podiatry
Statistics released by Strategic Market Research estimate that over half of athletes experience injuries to the lower extremities, including the feet, ankles, Achilles tendon, and toes. The feet and ankles provide foundational support for athletes, allowing them to run, jump, flex, lift, and stand for extended periods, putting them at an increased risk of injury. Sports injury management is the process of providing prevention, treatment, and surgical options to protect the feet of athletes of all ages and professions.
The Role a Podiatrist Plays
As an athlete, it’s productive to think of your podiatrist as another member of your “team.” These are the roles your Howell & Brick, NJ, podiatrist will play in managing sports injuries for your feet:
- Administering immediate pain treatments, including corticosteroid injections, to aid in healing.
- Correcting foot fractures and sprains.
- Physical therapy exercises and instruction on stretching techniques before playing in sports games.
- Design of splints, braces, orthotics, taping procedures, and casts if immobilization is required.
- Massage, electrical stimulation, or laser therapies.
Tips for Caring for Your Feet As an Athlete
The best way to care for your feet when you play sports is to take preventative measures to keep them safe and in good condition. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Wear the devices prescribed by your podiatrist whenever you are exercising, playing, or practicing.
- Observe RICE therapy techniques (the process of continually resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the feet and ankles to keep them in good condition).
- Evaluate the quality of the shoes you wear both on and off the field.
Call For Help with Sports Injuries
Your foot health is of the utmost importance when you play sports for school or professionally. If you’re an athlete who is looking for a new podiatrist for sports injuries, contact a foot doctor at The Center for Foot and Ankle Medicine in Howell & Brick, NJ by calling (732) 833-2800 for Howell, NJ, and (732) 477-0441 for Brick, NJ.