Sprains, Strains, Fractures and Ruptures: A Podiatrist’s Guide to Sports Injuries

Whether you’re a professional athlete or just an active person, the risk of foot and ankle injury is ever present. Neglect tends to make sports-related injuries worsen over time, but with a podiatrist’s prompt diagnosis and proper care, they can be effectively managed and treated.

At Northern Ankle Foot Associates, we’re always looking to share some of our hard-earned experience via patient education. In the following blog, we’ll explain how to handle some of the more common and painful sports injuries we treat at our practice.

Sports Injuries – An Overview

Sports injuries occur during any physical activity, both competitive and recreational. They can vary from minor sprains and strains to more severe tears and fractures.

  • Sports injuries can be caused by direct contact with an opposing player or object, such as in contact sports like football or hockey.
  • They can be non-contact in nature: a runner’s ankle twist, for example, or a soccer player’s knee injury.

Sports injuries can affect various body structures, including bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.

  • These injuries are often classified as either acute or chronic.
  • Acute injuries happen suddenly, while chronic injuries develop over time and worsen with repetitive use.

Sports Injuries Statistics

Sports injuries are prevalent, with millions of people experiencing them each year.

  • According to the National Health Statistics Report, an estimated 8.6 million sports and recreation-related injuries occur annually in the United States.
  • These injuries can range from minor to severe and require medical attention and rehabilitation.

The risk of sports injuries can vary depending on age, gender, body type, and the type of sport or physical activity performed.

Common Sports Injuries

Some of the most common types of sports injuries include:

Sprains

A sprain is harmful to the ligament, the tissue that connects bone to bone.

  • Typical locations for sprains include the ankle, knee, and wrist.
  • These sports injuries are usually minor, but they can vary in severity.
  • Sprains occur due to excessive force or strain.
  • The most common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility.

Strains

An injury to a tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone. These are distinct from sprains, although they can vary in degree, too.

  • Common locations for strains include the calf and Achilles tendon.
  • Strains occur when a muscle is stretched beyond its normal range of motion due to excessive force or repetition.
  • The most common symptoms of a strain include pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Fractures:

A fracture is an injury to a bone that occurs when the bone is broken due to excessive force or pressure. These require immediate medical attention.

Achilles Tendon Ruptures

An Achilles tendon rupture is an injury to the tendon at the ankle that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.

Symptoms and Signs of Sports Injuries

When it comes to developing injuries, there are a few signs to watch for: ​

  • Swelling
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Difficulty walking
  • Inability to put weight on the foot

Sports Injuries Diagnosis

Sports injuries often result in immediate pain or discomfort.

  • Some injuries, however, such as those caused by overuse, may not become apparent until after a prolonged damage period.
  • Injuries can typically be detected during regular physicals or checkups, so act on the following to get a solid diagnosis:

Physical Examination

The doctor may attempt to manipulate the affected joint or body part to assess the level of damage and determine if the injury is caused by acute trauma or overuse.

  • This process helps to differentiate between a strain, sprain, fracture, dislocation, tendonitis, bursitis, and other injuries.
  • During the physical examination, the doctor will also evaluate the range of motion, muscle strength, and other factors.

Medical History

  • The doctor may also ask questions about the patient’s medical history and current level of physical activity to help determine any potential underlying causes for the sports injury.
  • This can help the doctor determine if any pre-existing conditions or other issues could contribute to the injury.

Imaging Tests

  • The doctor may order X-rays, MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), and CT scans (computerized tomography) to better look at the affected area and detect any underlying bone or tissue damage.
  • This is often done to rule out any severe conditions, such as fractures, that may require more specialized care.

Treatment And Management of Sports Injuries

The treatment and management of sports injuries depend on the harshness of the injury and the affected area of the body.

Rest

Rest is typically the first step in treating a sports injury and is essential to allow the body to heal more quickly. This helps to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling associated with the injury, as well as to give the body time to heal.

Ice or Heat Therapy

Ice therapy helps to reduce inflammation and pain, while heat increases circulation and may help with healing.

Compression

Compression can be helpful to provide support and reduce swelling in an injured area of the body. An elastic bandage, sleeve, or compression device can help reduce inflammation, minimize pain, and decrease swelling.

Medication

Depending on the severity of the injury, doctors may prescribe medication to manage pain and inflammation associated with sports injuries. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Elevation

Elevating the affected area above the heart level can be an important part of treating and managing sports injuries.

  • Doing this can help reduce swelling and promote healing by allowing fluid to drain away from the injured area more easily.

Physical Therapy

In some cases, physical therapy may be necessary for athletes recovering from sports injuries.

  • Physical therapists use therapeutic exercises and other treatments to help restore strength, flexibility, range of motion, and function in the injured area.

Surgery

In severe cases, it may be necessary to correct any structural damage.

  • Surgery can help restore stability and alignment in the affected area, alleviate pain, and increase function.

It is always essential to consult a medical professional for advice and guidance when deciding on the best action. If you are seeking treatment for ankle sprains, fractures, or other podiatric problems, Northern Ankle Foot Associates can help provide the best care possible!

If you’re in need of podiatric care or assistance with a sports injury, please reach out to Northern Ankle Foot Associates and contact us today. Dr. Robyn Joseph would be happy to help!