Ankle and foot injuries are common problems gymnasts deal with. In gymnastics, there is a high likelihood of lower body injuries in gymnastics because of the high impact forces, repetitive movements, and the preponderance of youth participants who are still growing. These young people are subjected to many hours of training, often year-round, and are generally encouraged to specialize in gymnastics to the exclusion of other sports early on. This causes a higher incidence of burnout, overuse injuries, and negatively impacts their overall athletic potential long-term. Research shows that there are also a lack of strength and conditioning methods in the sport that increase risks of injury. The most common foot and ankle injuries in gymnastics include acute and overuse injuries. Acute injuries are usually caused by an incident and tend to be more severe. These include ankle sprains and bone fractures. Overuse injuries happen when multiple incidents cause an injury to accumulate over time. Such injuries include things like growth plate irritations, tendonitis issues, and stress fractures. These injuries plague gymnasts for their gymnastic careers and beyond. Some of these athletes just tape their ankles and take over-the-counter pain relievers and live with the pain while participating in the sport. If you are or have been a gymnast and suffer from foot and ankle injuries, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can not only help in the diagnosis and treatment if an injury has been sustained but can provide important injury prevention information as well.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciosis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
