It’s that time of year again when America’s favorite pastime begins again. That’s right; baseball is back! With baseball comes a number of sports injuries due to the fact that baseball players are constantly on their feet (with all the running and sliding they do!) There are certain injuries that are more commonly seen among athletes, so if you happen to be physically active, you know what to look out for.
Some sports injuries are of the overuse type. This means that over time certain parts of the body have worn down or become inflamed.
Common Sports Injuries
- Stress fractures: A stress fracture is different from a typical fracture because a crack develops within the bone. It’s usually the result of a poor diet lacking in calcium and overtraining. You experience symptoms, including tenderness, swelling, and pain when bearing weight. If you have any of these signs, it’s a good idea to see a doctor ASAP.
- Plantar fasciitis: The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This is when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia) becomes inflamed and painful. It’s the result of extra strain or pressure being put on the foot.
Other sports injuries occur due to trauma to the foot. These are the types that require immediate medical attention or first aid.
- Ankle sprains/fractures: A sprain or fracture occurs when the joint or bone is pushed past its normal range of motion. You will feel immediate pain and will probably be unable to put any pressure on it. Sometimes it may be difficult to tell if it’s sprained or broken so an immediate trip to the doctor for testing will be required.
- Turf toe: This usually occurs in people who play sports on artificial turf (such as football players). It happens when you push your foot off the ground and your toe stays in one place instead of moving like it should. It’s considered a sprain and requires RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).
If you have more questions about common sports injuries call Dr. Peyman Elison and Dr. Viedra Elison at (623) 584-5556 to schedule an appointment at Fixing Feet Institute in Surprise, AZ.
