Ankle sprains are a fast-rising, game-related concern in professional basketball, with nearly 25 percent of players experiencing this high-impact injury. Quick-cutting, explosive takeoff movements, and awkward landings create high-risk situations. Shoe design plays a role, as low-top or poorly structured footwear may reduce ankle stability, while court-surface composition can increase slip or grip extremes. Improper taping methods and fatigue-related reaction delays further elevate risk. A podiatrist provides biomechanical evaluation, custom orthotics, and injury-specific rehabilitation. Seeking early, specialized care supports long-term joint health. If you have endured an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lansing, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A stress fracture in the foot is a small crack in a bone caused by repeated pressure over time. These injuries often develop when the foot absorbs more force than the bones can handle. Many stress fractures occur in athletes who run, jump, or change direction frequently in sports such as basketball, tennis, and gymnastics. They can also affect runners and people who suddenly increase the intensity, duration, or frequency of exercise. The crack in the bone may be extremely small, sometimes as thin as a strand of hair, but it can still cause significant pain. Other risk factors include poor footwear, changes in training surfaces, weak bones, or abnormal foot structure that places extra pressure on certain areas. Stress fractures most often affect the metatarsals, which are the long bones that connect the toes to the midfoot. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, examine the foot, and use imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and guide proper care. If you have symptoms of a stress fracture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lansing, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing the right work shoes plays an important role in protecting foot health and maintaining proper support during long hours of standing or walking. Shoes that fit well and provide strong arch support help maintain proper foot alignment and reduce pressure-related stress on joints and soft tissues. Poorly fitting footwear can contribute to the development of painful conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis. Wearing supportive work shoes also helps reduce pressure spots that may lead to irritation, fatigue, and long-term foot problems. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend supportive footwear, and provide custom orthotic devices to improve comfort and alignment. If you have ongoing foot discomfort at work, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you on the right shoes to wear for your workday.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lansing, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When three parts of the ankle break at the same time, the injury is serious and often unstable. The ankle is made up of the lower ends of the two leg bones and the back portion of the shinbone, all of which work together to form the joint that allows the foot to move up, down, and side to side. These bones also help hold strong bands of tissue in place that keep the ankle steady. A broken ankle of this type usually happens during a high-impact event, such as a car accident, a fall from a height, or a sports injury that causes the ankle to twist forcefully. Severe pain, swelling, bruising, visible deformity, and an inability to stand or walk are common symptoms. Diagnosis requires imaging to see how the bones are positioned. Treatment likely involves surgery to realign the bones and secure them with hardware so the joint can heal properly. If you have broken an ankle, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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