Sports Injuries

Physical activity is good for your health but can take a toll on your feet. Podiatrist John Murphy, DPM, at Maryland Podiatry Center in Ellicott City, Maryland, understands the frustration you feel when you’ve suffered a sports injury that involves your foot or ankle. He can provide expert care for these injuries and help prevent further problems. Call the Maryland Podiatry Center today or book an appointment online for expert sports injury care.

Which common sports injuries affect the feet?

You can injure your feet or ankles in many ways while playing sports, exercising, or engaging in physical activity. Among the common sports injuries that Dr. Murphy treats at Maryland Podiatry Center are:

• Blisters
• Plantar fasciitis
• Ankle sprains
• Corns and calluses
• Heels spurs
• Fractures
• Ingrown toenails

Sports injuries that affect the feet or ankles cause pain and can affect your ability to play your sport or go about your normal routine. Minor injuries might heal on their own with rest, but some injuries can get worse when left untreated.

Dr. Murphy also treats bunions and hammertoe, foot deformities that can affect your ability to participate in your sport.

When should I see a podiatrist for sports injuries?

You should see a podiatrist for any sports injury that affects the foot or ankle.

Dr. Murphy is an experienced foot and ankle surgeon caring for teenagers and adults. He has a good understanding of foot mechanics during physical activity. He can provide the expert care you need to heal the injury so that you can get back to your active lifestyle.

Taking a personalized approach to care, Dr. Murphy talks to you about your injury, asking how it happened and how it affects your daily routine. He also asks about your exercise program and the shoes you wear.

Dr. Murphy reviews your medical and injury history and examines your feet. He might also order X-rays to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

How are sports injuries treated?

Dr. Murphy talks about your feet and ankles, the nature of your injury, and how it affects your foot mechanics. He then discusses available treatments.

Initially, Dr. Murphy takes a conservative approach to care and could recommend:

• Bracing, casting, or splinting
• Activity changes
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Exercise program
• Orthotics (custom-fitted shoe inserts)

If conservative measures fail to heal your injury or you have a severe injury that won’t heal on its own, Dr. Murphy could recommend surgery. Which surgery you need will depend on your injury.

Once your sports injury heals, Dr. Murphy recommends steps you can take to prevent further foot and ankle problems.

You need expert podiatry care when you’ve suffered a sports injury that affects your feet or ankles. Call Maryland Podiatry Center today or schedule an appointment online.