Are you an athlete or someone who leads an active lifestyle? Then you know that sports injuries are a very real and common occurrence.
From sprains and strains to fractures and tears, these injuries can range from minor inconveniences to major setbacks for athletes. When it comes to the lower body, one type of injury that can be particularly debilitating is a foot or ankle injury.
These injuries not only affect your ability to participate in physical activities but also impact everyday tasks like walking and standing. In some cases, these injuries may even require surgery for proper treatment and recovery.
In this blog, we will discuss the top 5 sports injuries that often require foot and ankle surgery.
Understanding Sports Injuries
Sports injuries are damage that occurs to the body when engaging in physical activities. They can happen to anyone, whether you are an amateur athlete, a professional athlete, or a physically active individual.
These injuries often result from overuse, direct impact, or applying a force greater than the body part can structurally withstand.
Foot and Ankle Sports Injuries
The foot and ankle are complex structures made up of many bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They support your entire body weight and are essential for virtually all types of movement.
Therefore, they are especially prone to injuries, which can sometimes be severe enough to require surgical intervention.
How Surgery Helps
While many sports injuries heal with rest and physical therapy, some conditions demand surgical procedures to restore full function.
Surgery can help repair torn ligaments, fix broken bones, and correct deformities. Specialized care, like the type offered at The Bone & Joint Center, ensures you receive the best treatments tailored to your specific needs.
Top 5 Sports Injuries That Require Foot and Ankle Surgery
These are the most common sports injuries that typically require patients undergo foot and ankle surgery.
Achilles Tendon Rupture
An Achilles tendon rupture is a tear of the Achilles tendon, the large tendon at the back of your ankle. This injury often occurs in sports that involve sudden bursts of speed or jumping, such as basketball or soccer.
Signs and Symptoms
- Sudden, sharp pain in the back of the ankle.
- A popping or snapping sound.
- Swelling and stiffness.
- Difficulty walking or standing on tiptoe.
Treatment and Surgery
While minor tears can heal with rest and physical therapy, a complete rupture usually requires surgery. The procedure involves stitching the torn tendon back together and is followed by a rehabilitation program to restore strength and flexibility.
Ankle Fractures
An ankle fracture occurs when one or more bones in the ankle break or crack. This injury is common in sports that involve twisting motions, such as football or hockey.
Signs and Symptoms
- Severe pain and swelling in the ankle.
- Bruising.
- Inability to bear weight on the affected foot.
- Deformity of the foot, in severe cases.
Treatment and Surgery
Simple fractures can sometimes heal with a cast or brace, but complex fractures often require surgery. Surgical treatment may involve inserting screws, plates, or rods to hold the bones in place while they heal.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of a thick band of connective tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot. This condition is common among runners and athletes who spend a lot of time on their feet.
Signs and Symptoms
- Sharp heel pain, especially in the morning.
- Pain in the heel that increases with activity.
- Swelling and tenderness in the heel.
Treatment and Surgery
Most cases of plantar fasciitis can be treated with physical therapy, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. However, chronic cases may require surgical intervention to release the tight plantar fascia.
Ligament Tears
Ligament tears, particularly in the ankle, are common in sports that involve sudden changes in direction, such as basketball and tennis. The most common ligament injury is an anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) tear.
Signs and Symptoms
- Severe pain and swelling.
- Bruising.
- Instability in the ankle.
- Difficulty bearing weight.
Treatment and Surgery
While minor ligament tears can heal with rest and physical therapy, complete tears often require surgery. The procedure usually involves repairing or reconstructing the torn ligament to restore stability and function.
Chronic Ankle Instability
Chronic ankle instability is a condition that occurs when the ligaments and tissues around the ankle become weakened or damaged, often after repeated ankle sprains.
Athletes participating in sports that involve jumping and quick directional changes are particularly susceptible to this injury.
Signs and Symptoms
- Frequent ankle sprains.
- Persistent pain and discomfort around the ankle.
- Swelling, especially after activity.
- A sensation of the ankle “giving way” during movement.
Treatment and Surgery
Initial ankle injury treatment typically includes physical therapy focused on strengthening the surrounding muscles and improving balance. However, if instability persists, surgical intervention may be required to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligaments and restore stability to the ankle.
Why Choose the Bone & Joint Center for Sports Injuries?
The Bone & Joint Center is your premier orthopedic and sports medicine clinic. Here is what you need to know about their expertise.
Sports Medicine & Orthopedics Experts
At The Bone & Joint Center, our doctors have extensive knowledge and experience regarding sports injuries, especially ones that occur to the foot and ankle. We use the latest tools and techniques to make sure you get the best care.
Treatment Just for You
We know every athlete is different, so we will create a treatment plan just for you. Whether you need surgery or not, we will work with you to get you back on your feet quickly and safely.
Complete Recovery Help
Surgery is just the beginning of getting better. Our recovery programs are here to help you get your strength and flexibility back. We’ll be with you every step of the way to make sure you recover fully.
To learn more about us or to make an appointment, please use our appointment request form or contact us at (701) 946-7400 / (866) 900-8650. We look forward to serving you!
