A foot injury can significantly impact your mobility and your regular level of healthy activity. The team at The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County has 100 years of combined experience treating foot injuries like sprains and fractures. For an evaluation of your foot injury, call or book an appointment online with their office in Watsonville or Santa Cruz, California.
Foot Injuries Q & A
What is a foot injury?
An injury to the foot can impact any of its 26 bones, as well as its joints, ligaments, muscles or tendons. Injuries are usually due to overuse or trauma and can include sprains, fractures, and other complications.
Injuries to the intricate structures of the foot can cause inflammation, swelling, pain, inability to bear weight, nerve damage, and hindered mobility.
If left untreated, foot injuries can cause issues for the knees, legs, hips, and low back and may affect your long-term ability to walk, run, or engage in sports.
What are some kinds of foot injuries?
The team at The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County specializes in the treatment of injuries of the foot including:
Ankle sprain
This injury is caused by unnatural twisting or abnormal force placed on the bones, ligaments, and tendons of the ankle. This causes stretching, inflammation and instability of the joint.
Fractures
This injury can either be a stress injury, caused by overuse, or a general fracture, caused by some kind of trauma. Fractures can be a slight crack or can extend through the bone.
Osteochondritis
This condition is the result of a twisting-type injury to the ankle and causes lesions to form on the ankle joint. This makes the joint stiff and painful.
Osteochondroma
This injury causes an overgrowth of the bone and cartilage, which can grow near the end of the bone or under the toenail. This can cause mild irritation but is not usually very painful.
These injuries can be treated after a thorough health history, physical exam, and diagnostic testing by your podiatry team.
What different types of foot injuries are caused by playing sports?
Because many sports can place a significant strain on the bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the ankle and foot, injuries are common.
Different types of foot and ankle injuries commonly seen in sports are:
- Strains
- Sprains
- Fractures
- Tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Torn tendons
- Sesamoiditis
Many of these injuries can be avoided by proper foot and ankle support. Stretching before participating in strenuous activity may also help.
What are some treatment options for foot injuries?
Depending on the cause for your injury, the podiatry team may suggest a combination of treatments. Treatment options may include:
- Immobilization
- Orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Pain medications
Surgery is often indicated for the repair of fractures or to repair torn ligaments or tendons.
For an evaluation of your foot injury, call or book an appointment online today.
