Players of sports like soccer and lacrosse often push their feet and ankles through rapid changes of direction, contact, jumping, and sprinting—making injuries in those areas common. Here’s a look at how such injuries occur and how podiatrists help.
Common Injuries
- Ankle sprains are among the most frequent: ligaments around the ankle can be overstretched or torn in a sharp twist or collision.
- Achilles tendon and other tendon injuries: Repeated kicking, acceleration and deceleration stresses the tendon.
- Stress fractures in the foot or ankle bones: Repetitive loading in field sports can cause tiny cracks that accumulate over time.
- Plantar fascia or foot-arch overuse injuries, especially when footing is uneven or the athlete switches surfaces or cleats.
How a Podiatrist Diagnoses & Treats These Injuries
A qualified foot and ankle specialist can play a key role in both evaluation and recovery:
- Diagnosis: A podiatrist will take your history (how the injury occurred, the symptoms), perform a physical exam (checking ligament stability, tendon pain, bone tenderness, swelling), and often order imaging like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to determine the full scope of damage.
- Treatment options may include:
- Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE) and offloading of the injured foot/ankle early on.
- Bracing, taping or immobilization (boots, walking casts) if ligaments are significantly torn.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation: Strengthening the muscles around the foot and ankle, improving balance and proprioception to reduce risk of re-injury.
- Custom orthotics and sport-specific footwear adjustments: The podiatrist may prescribe orthotic inserts or recommend cleat changes to optimize mechanics and support.
- Surgical referral when necessary: In cases of severe fractures, complete tendon rupture or ligament tears that fail conservative care.
Why Prompt Foot & Ankle Care Matters
Ignoring or under-treating a foot or ankle injury can lead to chronic instability, repeated sprains, persistent pain, or decreased performance. For athletes involved in dynamic sports like soccer or lacrosse, early intervention by a foot and ankle expert makes a big difference.
Meet the Team Serving Marietta, Georgia
If you’re dealing with an injury in the Marietta area, the podiatry practice of Ryan Goldfine, DPM, and Shaynah Goldfine, DPM, can help. They have two convenient offices:
- East Cobb: 2469 East Piedmont Rd, Marietta, GA 30062
- West Cobb: 3451 Ernest Barrett Pkwy, Marietta, GA 30064
They handle foot and ankle injuries in athletes and non-athletes alike, offering diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation plans, orthotics, and surgery.
Author
Ryan Goldfine, DPM
Dr. Ryan Goldfine is a board certified foot and ankle surgeon. He is a Marietta Podiatrist.
