Sports-Related Injuries in Glenview, IL – Treatments by Quality Podiatrists

Foot Treatments from Reliable Podiatrists

Sports Injuries

If you’re looking for help with sports-related injuries in Glenview, IL, you’re in the right spot. From the repeated pounding that runners’ feet receive on paved surfaces to the side-to-side motion seen in court sports, there’s no question that athletes’ feet and ankles are prime candidates for injuries. Whether you participate in sports regularly or are just a “weekend warrior,” be on the lookout for some of these common problems:

Ankle sprains – This is one of the most common sports injuries. Prompt evaluation and treatment by one of our foot and ankle doctors are important. Sometimes what seems like a simple “sprain” is actually an ankle fracture, and treatments for these two conditions are very different. Don’t skimp on rehabilitation and physical therapy! An ankle that has not been properly healed and strengthened is more likely to suffer repeated sprains, leading to chronic ankle instability.

Achilles tendon disorders – Athletes are at high risk for developing disorders of the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendon that runs down the back of the lower leg, can progress into a degeneration of the tendon (Achilles tendonitis). A sudden increase of a repetitive activity that leads to micro-injury of the tendon fibers can cause these conditions.

Heel pain – This condition is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, although it may also be due to other causes including stress fractures. Faulty foot structure is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis, but it can also result from worn-out shoes or shoes that are not designed for the sport in which you’re participating. Keeping the Achilles tendon stretched can help get rid of this pain, but continued pain should be checked out to rule out a fracture or other cause.

Morton’s neuroma – Also called “intermetatarsal neuroma,” this is a thickening of nerve tissue in the ball of the foot as a result of compression and irritation of the nerve. Causes include activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running or court sports. Symptoms start gradually and may come and go when the nerve is irritated due to activity. It’s important to treat this condition early before the damage becomes more severe (FHF, 2015).

Injuries from Baseball

Your feet and ankles take a beating when you’re playing baseball. Baseball players should be aware of the below risks:

• Ankle sprains may occur while running, fielding balls, stepping on, or sliding into bases. Sprains should be evaluated by a Weil Foot & Ankle Institute podiatrist to determine the extent of the injury, which may include peroneal tendon injuries or fractures. The foot and ankle doctor will develop a treatment plan. Failure to fully treat and rehabilitate a sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability and recurring sprains.
• Overuse or excessive training may sideline some athletes with Achilles tendinopathy or heel pain (often plantar fasciitis, or calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents).
• Contusions may occur from impact with the ball or contact with other players.
• Cleats may cause issues in the forefoot and aggravate neuromas, sesamoids, bunions, and hammertoes. To stay at the top of your game, ensure that cleats are fitted properly, and have any injuries evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon.

Injuries from Basketball

Feet and ankles take a beating in basketball, too! Injuries can occur from running, jumping, cutting, quick starts and stops, as well as direct contact with other players. Basketball players should be aware of the following:

• Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries, fractures, and chronic ankle instability.
• Overuse and excessive training can lead to plantar fasciitis, heel pain, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.

Injuries from Field Hockey

The running and side-to-side cutting in field hockey are common causes of injuries to the foot and ankle. Field hockey players should be aware of the following risks:

• Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
• Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
• Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.

Injuries from Football

Football players can sustain injuries to the foot and ankle due to running, side-to-side cutting, or direct trauma, such as from another player during a tackle. Be aware of the following risks:

• Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
• Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
• Contusions and bone bruises may also result from high impact during tackling.
• Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.

Injuries from Soccer

Soccer is hard on the feet! Injuries to the foot and ankle can occur from running, side-to-side cutting, sliding, or tackling. They can also occur from striking the ball or another player with the foot. Soccer players should be aware of the following risks:

• Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
• Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
• Contusions and bone bruises can also result from high impacts, such as in slide tackling.
• Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.

Call Our Office to Find Out More About Sports-Related Injuries in Glenview, IL!

Over 200,000 patients have found relief from their foot pain, heel pain or ankle pain, and we’re confident we can help you too. Your feet will thank you! For additional information on sports-related foot and ankle injuries or to schedule an appointment, call Weil Foot & Ankle at (847) 393-4276. With 16 podiatry offices in and around the Chicago area, including Arlington Heights, Bannockburn, Chicago, Des Plaines, Glenview, Lemont, Libertyville, Oak Park, Roselle, & Tinley Park, Illinois (IL), there is sure to be a podiatry office near you!

If you are located close to downtown Chicago, we can treat your ankle or foot sprain/fracture immediately at our FAST Care Center, visit FastCareCenters.com for more details.