Dr. Irina Tsyganova

Dr. Irina Tsyganova
Another Day at the Office

Monday, November 4, 2013

Common Sports Foot Injuries: Diagnosis and Treatment

Turf toe


http://footnj.com/podiatrist-new-jersey-about-us/23/235-sports-injuries
Turf toe, which is a sprain of the big toe joint, is commonly seen in football and soccer injuries. It is caused when the big toe is hyperextended. This injury is seen more when participating in sports that require wearing cleats and running on artificial turf. The big toe joint is used to push off when walking or playing sports and therefore, with this type of injury rest is the primary treatment. It is difficult to immobilize the big toe, therefore, a rigid shoe, ice, rest, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy is usually required. Healing times varies, but is usually a minimum of 4-6 weeks. If a turf toe injury occurs and is not treated appropriately it can become a chronic problem with pain to the big toe joint. If this is the case, long term use of the toe will become painful for the athlete. Upon initial injury, treatment should be sought out by a physician.

Shin Splints
Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are an injury commonly seen in running, track and field and in general, in overuse syndrome. This is seen with pain along the lower shin, which is located between the knee and ankle joints.  It is defined as a strain on the muscles around the tibia bone. This injury can be seen as a running season ends, due to the excessive about running and stress to the tibia bone and muscles surrounding it. This can be difficult to diagnose, since there are many different causes of pain to the lower leg. X-rays as well as bone scans and MRIs can be used to help with a diagnosis. Treatment includes rest, ice, decrease activity, strapping, physical therapy, whirlpool, phonophoresis etc. Proper shoes gear, as well as orthotics, can help with the biomechanical aspect of the injury. An untreated shin splint may lead to a tibial stress fracture.

Stress Fractures
Stress Fractures or a hairline fracture is a small crack in the bone. It is most commonly seen in the tibia or metatarsal bones. It is caused by an excessive amount of activity in a short period of time. There are a variety of symptoms with this type of injury and can be difficult to diagnosis. Initially x-rays will be ordered, but stress fractures do not appear on x-rays for the first 10-14 days. Therefore, a bone scan, MRI or CT scan can help with a diagnosis. Treatment is via immobilization in a cast or walking boot. Healing time is a minimum of 4-6 weeks. If gone untreated it can lead to a complete fracture, which will require a longer healing time or surgery.
No matter what the injury, when treatment is sought out right after the initial injury the prognosis is more favorable for the long term. If the athlete hopes to participate in their activity for many years to come, these injuries should not be ignored and should be treated by a physician immediately.

For more information, visit our website at www.footnj.com

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