Sprained ankles, inflamed tendons, stress fractures and other sports injuries can sideline you for weeks or months without proper treatment. Fortunately, your Jasper and Woodstock, GA, podiatrists, Dr. Bret Hintze and Dr. Andrea Cass of Foot & Ankle Reconstruction of North Georgia offer treatments that will ease your pain and help you heal.

Common causes of sport injuries

Sports injuries that may affect your feet or ankles include:

• Sprains and strains
• Fractures
• Stress fractures
• Achilles tendonitis
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis
• Stone bruises
• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel spurs
  
  

What to do when you have a sports injuries

Ignoring foot or ankle pain is never a good idea. If you continue your sport or activity, your injury could worsen, or the pain could become chronic. When you have a sports injury, remember RICE, which stands for:

• Rest: Your injury needs time to heal, which won't happen without rest.
• Ice: Ice decreases both pain and inflammation. Be sure to use an ice pack or wrap ice in a towel. Take the ice off after 15 or 20 minutes, and wait at least a half-hour or an hour before using it again.
• Compression: Wrapping an athletic bandage around an injured area decreases swelling and may help reduce stiffness. Tighter isn't better when it comes to compression bandages. If you notice increased pain, numbness or tingling, loosen the bandage.
• Elevation: Elevating your foot above your head also decreases swelling. Add a few pillows under your foot or ankle while you rest on the couch.
  
  

Is it time to visit your foot doctor?

You may need to make an appointment at the Jasper or Woodstock, GA, podiatry office if your sports injuries:

• Cause severe pain
• Affect your ability to walk
• Aren't getting better after a week or two of home care

Call your podiatrist immediately or go to the emergency room if your foot or ankle has changed shape or broken bones have pierced the skin.

Depending on the type of severity of your injury, your foot doctor can offer pain medication, steroid injections, shockwave or ultrasound therapy, physical therapy, or orthotics, splints, braces or casts. In some cases, surgery may be the best way to treat your injury.

Are you struggling with sports injuries? Call your podiatrists in Jasper and Woodstock, GA, Dr. Hintze and Dr. Cass of Foot & Ankle Reconstruction of North Georgia to schedule an appointment. Make an appointment with the Woodstock office by calling (770) 999-0703 or call (770) 999-0804 to schedule a visit with the Jasper office.