Sport Injuries Can Derail Fitness Plans
At NY Foot Health, we know that a month or so after New Year’s it’s not unusual for podiatrists to start to see an increase in the number of patients with sports injuries. Getting fit is one of the top resolutions people make and with that comes the potential risk for injury. Below are some common sports injuries and how to deal with them.
Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral pain)—a burning pain between the kneecap and the thigh bone is characteristic of this condition. It often afflicts patients who may have started out their new running regimen a little too intensely and caused this overuse injury. Faulty biomechanics in the foot may also play a role and patients with these symptoms should have their gait professionally analyzed.
Shin Splints—pain on the sides of your lower leg bone in the front are a symptom of medial tibial stress syndrome, more commonly known as shin splints. It can have multiple cause, including a stress fracture or tendinitis. Oftentimes, changing to a shoe that has better shock absorption can help.
Plantar Fasciitis—inflammation of the thick, fibrous band of tissue on the bottom of your foot called the plantar fascia leads to pain in the bottom of the heel. A telltale sign of this disorder is pain that is worse at the beginning of the day. Patients with flat feet are more prone to plantar fasciitis. In some cases, a custom orthotic device may decrease discomfort.
Achilles Tendinitis—the Achilles tendon, located along the back of the ankle, connects the muscles of the calf to the heel bone. Overuse, stair climbing, or hill running can cause an acute inflammation of the tendon. Achilles tendinitis can be slow to heal due to the limited amount of blood flow the tendon receives.
If a sport or exercise activity is causing lower extremity pain or other unusual symptoms, it’s essential that you make an appointment with your podiatrist to get it evaluated. If you don’t currently have a podiatrist, we can help you find one in your community through our online directory. For more information on sport injuries, contact us.