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Basketball is a sport that, while played professionally, is also often played year round by average people. While it is not considered a collision sport like football or hockey, basketball is considered a contact sport and has one of the highest injury rates when compared to other sports. The most common basketball injury is an ankle sprain due to the side to side movements and potential to land wrong while jumping. Proper stretching and strengthening are important to lower the risk of injury, especially since an ankle sprain is likely to reoccur. Achilles tendon injuries are also common in basketball due to the large amount of stress placed on the tendon. Overuse can result in Achilles tendinitis and tendinosis, and Achilles tendon ruptures are possible as well. Proper stretching of the calves is key to helping reduce the chances of an injury. If you believe that you have experienced an injury to your foot while playing basketball, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.  

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Nederland, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops as the aging process occurs. The arches are designed for standing and balancing, and enable us to walk, run, and jump. Additionally, they can help the foot to absorb the shock while running, and evenly distribute body weight. There can be several reasons that may cause flat feet. These can include obesity, pregnancy, and medical conditions that can consist of diabetes and high blood pressure. The symptoms that patients can experience may include pain inside the ankle, and the feet may feel stiff. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can treat this condition. Treatment may include prescribing custom made orthotics.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Nederland, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Do you have heel pain? Plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the ligament that extends from the heel to the toes, may be the cause. A podiatrist can typically diagnose this condition by taking a medical history and examining your foot. There are many different treatments for plantar fasciitis. Treatments that can be done at home include stretching exercises for the feet, avoiding going barefoot, wearing supportive shoes, icing the foot, and limiting extended physical activities.  The doctor might prescribe other treatments as well, including padding, taping, or strapping the foot to reduce strain on the plantar fascia, wearing orthotic devices in your shoes, injecting a corticosteroid into the foot to reduce pain and inflammation, wearing a removable walking cast or night splint, or physical therapy. In rare cases, surgery may be required. Consult with a podiatrist to learn which treatment is right for you.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM  from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Nederland, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.