Our Services / Sports Injuries

What are sports injuries?

Foot and ankle injuries are common in people who actively participate in sports. Some activities are more likely to cause foot and ankle injuries, including:

• Running
• Basketball
• Football
• Soccer
• Dancing
• Jumping

Sports where you have to wear tightly fitting shoes also increase your risk of injury.

Everyday things that often lead to foot and ankle sports injuries include failing to warm up and not stretching properly. Wearing incorrect footwear, including old, unsupportive sneakers, for your sport is likely to increase your risk of sports injuries.

You also need to take precautions like taping to provide your feet and ankles with the support they need. Many foot and ankle conditions can develop if you ignore these safety measures.

What kinds of sports injuries affect the foot and ankle?

The more common sports injuries to the feet and ankles include:

Achilles tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis affects the largest tendon in your body, the Achilles tendon at the back of your ankle. This sports injury typically results from overuse. The Achilles tendon’s primary function is to transfer power from your calf muscles to your heel and foot.

Inflammation (tendinitis) can be excruciating. It can lead to further complications like tears or ruptures, peritendinitis, bursitis, tendinosis, and tendinopathy. Dr. Hansen can fully explain these conditions to you and let you know if any of them are causing your pain.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis develops when the ligament supporting the arch of your foot is under too much stress. The tissue can strain because of frequent sporting activities that cause inflammation and pain at the bottom of your heel.

Stress fractures

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in your bones that can cause a great deal of discomfort. They’re often caused by a lack of fitness, using the wrong equipment or technique, and repeated stress on the foot and ankle.

How are sports injuries treated?

Treating sports injuries differs according to the damage done and how severe it is. Treatments Dr. Hansen can use include:

• Strapping
• Orthotics (shoe inserts)
• Splints
• Ankle braces
• Walking boots
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections

If your sports injury requires surgery, Dr. Hansen uses minimally invasive arthroscopy wherever possible. This advanced technique causes much less tissue damage than traditional open surgery. That means you feel less pain and recover far more quickly.

If you participate in sports, Dr. Hansen can give you invaluable advice on keeping your feet and ankles safe and treating your sports injuries. Find out how he can get you back to the sport you love without delay by calling Hansen Foot & Ankle inMill Creek, today or booking an appointment online.