Sports Injuries

Sports Injuries services offered in Cranford, Wallington and Fort Lee, NJ

Sports injuries, like ankle sprains, Achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis, can be crippling and sideline you. Proper treatment relieves pain and promotes healing to get back in the game. At Kinetic Edge Foot & Ankle, experienced podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Chester Klimek, DPM, provides complete care for sports injuries. Call the Kinetic Edge Foot & Ankle office in Cranford, Wallington, and Fort Lee, New Jersey, today to schedule sports injury treatment, or book your visit online.

How are sports injuries different from other foot problems?

Sports injuries are different from other foot problems in that they happen because of physical activity. Specifically, they’re the result of things like kicking, jumping, running, and swimming.

Your feet are crucial to sports performance, but they’re susceptible to trauma and general wear-and-tear.

Which sports injuries affect the feet and ankles?

At Kinetic Edge Foot & Ankle, Dr. Klimek diagnosis and treats various sports injuries, including:

Heel pain (for example, plantar fasciitis)
Bunions
Ankle sprains
Foot and ankle fractures (broken bones)
Hammertoe
Turf toe
Stress fractures
Shin splints
Neuromas (nerve tumors)
Tendinitis (tendon inflammation)
Bursitis
Flatfoot

Running and playing sports increases your risk of general wear-and-tear. For example, playing soccer and basketball can wear down your cartilage. Without enough of it, your bones and joints rub against each other, causing stiffness and pain.

How does a podiatrist diagnose sports injuries?

Dr. Klimek reviews your medical records and asks about your injury, including what you were doing when it happened, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and whether they’re worse at specific times or activities.

Dr. Klimek examines your foot, ankle, and toes for redness, swelling, and bruising. He tests your reflexes, muscle strength, and range of motion. He gently presses on the affected area to identify sensitive spots.

Next, Dr. Klimek evaluates your gait (how you walk) and posture. He also orders diagnostic imaging to look at your bones and the surrounding tissues. This allows him to check for broken bones and/or joint and soft-tissue damage.

How does a podiatrist treat sports injuries?

At Kinetic Edge Foot & Ankle, Dr. Klimek takes a conservative and integrative approach to treating sports injuries. He could suggest:

Orthotics to relieve pain and improve your gait
Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
Warming up before and cooling down after exercise
Wearing the proper safety equipment when exercising
Ice and heat therapy
Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication
Wearing supportive shoes
Wearing a cast or a splint if you have a fracture or a sprain
Healthy lifestyle changes like losing weight

Call the nearest Kinetic Edge Foot & Ankle office today to schedule sports injury treatment, or book your appointment online.