Structural imbalance, even in minute degrees, can result in injury and disability, especially in the feet and legs of athletes.

Some common sports-related injuries include: shin splints, stress fractures, ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, and pain in the heel and arch area.

In the over-use injury called shin splints, the muscles of the leg are microscopically pulled away from their bony attachments, resulting in moderate to severe pain. This commonly occurs in two areas:

• the front of the leg, often because of training errors such as increasing intensity too quickly

• the inside of the leg, which usually is the result of faulty foot mechanics

If shin splint pain continues after you modify your workouts; get professional help. Stress fractures can occur in any bone but the metatarsals and the heel bone are most common in feet. This condition usually is caused by repetitive stress on a portion of the bone, eventually causing a hairline break. These injuries should receive prompt attention to prevent further damage.

An ankle sprain is a tear in a ligament resulting from over-stretching or hyperextension of the joint. The inversion sprain is the most common of the ankle injuries, and is caused by a sudden turning inward of the ankle joint. If you suffer an ankle injury that requires medical attention, it's best to stay off the foot until it can be examined. This is especially important if you hear or feel a "snap" or "tear" at the time of the injury.

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body, yet because of the tremendous stress it receives, it is one of the most frequent to be injured. Achilles tendonitis occurs because of overuse, often over an extended period. Rest and anti-inflammatories may allow it to heal. If it doesn’t it may be aggravated by foot mechanics and you should seek professional help. Achilles tendon rupture is a devastating injury that needs immediate care. This injury most frequently occurs with unaccustomed strenuous physical activity. It's been described as a sudden sharp pain in the back of the ankle and is sometimes accompanied by an audible sound. Apply ice and mild compression immediately and stay off the injured foot until it can be examined.

Pain beneath the heel bone or within the arch area of the foot is quite common, and the most common cause is simple over-use or strain. If it doesn’t resolve with rest, discontinue exercise activity until it can be examined.

Foot and leg injuries are particularly frustrating and debilitating to athletes, and we feel their problems should receive special attention. The goal of podiatric medicine is to keep athletes active in their sports while protecting them from further injury.

If you should suffer a sports injury, it's best for your future activity to have it dealt with quickly and effectively.

Can a podiatrist help you? We make it easy to find out. Here's how....

The physicians and staff of the A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Centers maintain two complete podiatric clinical facilities and provide 24-hour emergency service. We participate in most health plans including Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid. We complete and file all necessary insurance forms and make every effort to assure you of maximum benefits with minimum out-of-pocket expense.

You are invited to make an appointment today to relieve your foot problems by calling us at 970-493-4660 or 970-667-0769.