3 Serious Aches Athletes Should Take to an Expert DPM

The team at Knight Foot & Ankle is all about sports, and we encourage all of our patients to maintain an active lifestyle in general. However, pushing your limits also carries the risk of injury, and as podiatrists, we’re usually the first people to see the consequences firsthand.

While most sports injuries respond well to rest, compression, and physical therapy, some require expert intervention from a podiatrist. For this blog post, we’re going to cover three common injuries athletes incur that often necessitate surgical solutions. Read on to stay a step ahead of them.

1.      Torn Achilles Tendon

The Achilles, a band of tissue connecting your calf muscle to your heel bone, plays a crucial role in jumping and pushing off. A complete tear causes sudden pain, weakness, and an inability to push off your toes, and it typically requires surgery to reattach the tendon and restore function.

2.      Severe Ankle Sprains

Sprained ankles are common, but Grade 3 sprains involve complete ligament tears, leading to severe instability and pain. These sprains often require surgery to reconstruct the torn ligaments and ensure proper joint stability, especially for athletes returning to high-impact sports.

3.      Bunions and Hammertoes

These bony deformities afflicting the toes cause pain and discomfort, but they can also affect balance and gait. In severe cases, especially for athletes relying on optimal foot function, surgery to realign the bones and joints offers long-term pain relief and improved performance.

Why a Podiatrist?

• You can’t always walk it off, and often, ignoring the issue or attempting to move on as though it isn’t there can exacerbate things, leading to further complications and more pain.

• Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists equipped with advanced training and expertise in diagnosing and treating sports injuries.

• They understand the unique demands placed on athletes' feet and can tailor treatment plans to facilitate a swift and complete recovery, maximizing your chances of returning to your sport.

Are you an active athlete in need of treatment or surgical assistance? We can help! Contact Chad Knight, DPM at Knight Foot & Ankle in Edmond and Jones, OK, to schedule a consultation. You can call us at (405) 513-0385 or click here to schedule your visit online.