Dr. Wachtel is both a runner and a volleyball player who has extensive understanding of sports related foot injuries and treatments.  

Athletic injuries are a common problem in the field of sports medicine. The feet, in particular, are susceptible to many different kinds of injuries and trauma that are associated with living an athletic lifestyle. They are responsible for bearing not only our body weight, but also as much as 20 times that force when we land hard on them.

Different Types of Foot Pain

Your feet are divided into different areas. Each area has its own unique set of possible conditions brought on by being active.

  • Heels:  The main cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is usually the result of overuse. Other common ailments include tendonitis, heel spurs, Sever’s Disease (in children), and bursitis.
  • Toes:  They can be fractured easily by trauma. Other issues include ingrown toenailsand black toenails, which are caused by jamming the toe against footwear.
  • Skin conditions: Athlete’s foot, blisters, corns, and calluses are all conditions that can occur in athletic people.
  • Midfoot pain:  This is usually associated with a metatarsal fracture or extensor tendonitis.
  • Forefoot pain:  One of the main causes of this type of pain is from Morton’s neuroma, which is another term for a pinched nerve. It can also be from metatarsalgia(inflammation), or sesamoiditis.

Treatment and Therapy

Since every injury is different, no one specific form of treatment will work for each type, or even each person with the same injury. One of the most common ways of treating sports injuries is by using the RICE method-rest, ice (cryotherapy), compression (taping), and elevation. This might be all you need to get your feet back to the way they were. If that alone does not fix the problem there are others things you can try. Laser therapy is becoming more widespread in the podiatric community. If you are suffering from a fracture you will need a cast as part of the healing process, and after you are out of the cast you will want to do physical therapy sessions. Hydrotherapy and heat therapy are also good ways to offer your feet some pain relief. Additionally, a doctor can prescribe any medications you might need for discomfort. To avoid sports injuries in the first place make sure you are wearing the right footwear and warming up your feet before engaging in physical activity.

When To Call A Doctor

If you have suffered from any of the above mentioned conditions or any other type of foot pain call Dr. Mitchell Wachtel, podiatrist North Andover, today at 888-616-2512 to schedule an appointment in one of three convenient Massachusetts office locations. We know how important your active lifestyle is to you and don’t want you to be sidelined by chronic problems. We can bring your feet back to full healthy quickly and efficiently, while offering you the best care possible.