For those who are highly active or involved in sports, pain and injuries are sometimes an unavoidable part of life. Even professional athletes get hurt and experience pain from time to time. Our Bethesda MD podiatrist encounters many patients that have obvious injuries with common available treatments that will eventually heal them. There are times, however, the pain is attributed to a more severe condition that can’t be healed, like arthritis. In these cases, our Bethesda podiatrist will offer treatments that can relieve some of the pain and allow you to return to a somewhat normal level of activity.
Learn the Source of Your Pain with Help from Our Bethesda MD Podiatrist
#1 – Tendinitis
One of the most common ankle injuries, tendinitis, occurs when your ankle tendon becomes inflamed and can be highly painful. Typically, tendinitis occurs due to injury or excess strain, but it can also happen because of bone spurs or untreated flat feet. Our Bethesda podiatrist treats most cases by suggesting rest, ice, and custom-made orthotics. Severe cases may require surgery; however, most cases are avoidable with proper stretching and warming up prior to exercise or participating in sports.
#2 – Sprain
An ankle sprain is an injury that our Bethesda MD podiatrist encounters often. Ankle sprains can happen to anyone while running, playing sports, or even just walking on an uneven surface. When your ankle gets twisted or turned into an unnatural position, it often results in a sprain. The ligaments that surround and connect the bones of the leg to the foot stretch or tear, causing pain, swelling, and bruising.
Most ankle sprain cases last only a few weeks and return to normal with adequate treatment. Our Bethesda podiatrist typically recommends applying ice, getting adequate rest, and wearing a brace or an orthotic as treatment, depending on the severity of the sprain. When in any doubt about the cause or severity of your ankle pain, however, it is always best to speak with a medical professional.
#3 – Arthritis
Degenerative arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is the most common type of arthritis in the feet. It’s caused by the breakdown of the cartilage in the foot joint, which results from general wear and tear and overuse. Athletes and those who live an active lifestyle are prone to this disorder. Symptoms range from tightness in the foot or ankle to pain and swelling. Orthotics are popular non-surgical treatments recommended by our Bethesda MD podiatrist, but severe cases may require surgery.
Avoid Ankle Injuries with Help from Our Bethesda MD Podiatrist
The good news is, there are plenty of things you can do at home to prevent ankle disorders. Regular exercise will help you maintain good physical fitness, strength, and flexibility. Make sure to stretch before and after working out, and invest in shoes that offer adequate support. Contact our Bethesda podiatrist if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above or if you would like more information.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center, with a convenient podiatry office near Bethesda MD, by clicking here or by calling 301.656.6055.
