Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendonitis is an injury that occurs due to overuse of the Achilles tendon. Acute Achilles tendonitis can happen when an athlete increases his or her training suddenly. This type of tendonitis normally fades with rest and then can become chronic Achilles tendonitis. Chronic Achilles tendonitis can be caused by a variety of different reasons, such as increased activity, lowered recovery time, new footwear, or even weakened calf muscles.

Symptoms

o Pain behind the ankle increasing over time
o Pain at the beginning of exercise but disappearing slowly during the activity
o Achilles tendon is tender to touch

Treatment

o Rest and apply ice to injury
o Anti-inflammatory medication if necessary
o Sports massage or ultrasound

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for Achilles tendinitis will ensure a full and speedy recovery.

Ankle Sprain

When the foot is turned inward or inverted an athletes’ ankle can be sprained. This can be caused by running on non-leveled surfaces, or can be due to landing on non-flat surfaces during competition.

Symptoms

o Swelling in the ankle because of the gathering of fluid in the tissues
o Pain in the region of the ankle when standing
o Painful to touch ankle region or to move foot in certain directions
o Redness and warmth in ankle due to increased in blood in the region

Treatment

o R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) method immediately
o Ultrasound and Laser treatment
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for ankle sprains will ensure a full and speedy recovery.

Heel Spur

A Heel spur is a bonelike growth that originates from the heal bone of the foot. High levels of stress to the heel bone cause the body to calcify the soft tissue in the heel. More common in older athletes who do a lot of running.

Symptoms

o Pain in the heel
o Inflammation of the heel
o Tenderness throughout the heel

Treatment

o Heat and elevation to alleviate the pain
o Foam pad in heel of shoe
o Ultrasound and whirlpool therapy
o Taping of the foot

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for a heel spur will ensure a full and speedy recovery.

Osteochondritis Dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans, not limited to a specific joint, is mainly caused by the lack of blood supply to the end of the bone affecting the cartilage in that specific region. Once blood supply is restricted a fragment of cartilage or bone may become loose and break off causing considerable amounts of pain.

Young adults and teenagers are most affected by this condition especially when active in sports. Early diagnosis of this type of injury can limit the damage caused and allow for a quick and full recovery.

Symptoms

o Pain
o Locking of joint
o Decrease in range of motion
o Swelling and tenderness

Treatment

o Rest
o Brace when necessary
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for Osteochondritis dissecans will ensure a full and speedy recovery.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of a band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. It usually starts with a mild pain. The inflammation originates from the Plantar Fascia tightening. It then begins to tear instead of flexing with the foot, causing irritation.

Plantar Fasciitis leads to complications with other body parts such as knee’s, hip, or back because it changes the athletes walking motion, placing stress on other joints. You may feel the pain after exercise, getting out of bed in the morning or after arising from any prolonged period of inactivity; allowing the Plantar Fascia to get tight and stiff.

Symptoms

o Sharp pain in heel or foot
o Worst pain occurs after awakening
o Also can occur after being seated or standing for prolonged periods of time

Treatment

o Rest
o Applying ice
o Keeping weight off your foot until the pain and inflammation subsides
o Avoiding running, jumping, or walking without any support or cushioning
o Use of Orthotics
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary
o Getting physical therapy and exercise to stretch your Achilles tendon and Plantar Fascia
o Use of night splints, cortisone injections, and surgery in extreme cases

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for Plantar Fasciitis will ensure a full recovery.

Turf Toe

A frequent injury most common in sports played on artificial surfaces, turf toe is the over extension of the big toe which stretches the ligaments of the foot. These ligaments tend to stretch if an athlete’s shoe grips the surface and gets stuck while his or her body goes forward.

Symptoms

o Swelling, pain and tenderness near or around the joint
o Pain and tenderness in or around the joint during stretching

Treatment

o Rest and ice immediately post injury
o Use a compression bandage
o Wear a shoe with a stiff sole or a brace
o Ultrasound or electronic stimulation

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for Turf Toe will ensure a full and speedy recovery.