You're a dedicated athlete, logging miles on the track or hitting the court whenever you can. But lately, a nagging pain in your foot or ankle is getting harder to ignore. You wonder if it's time to see a specialist, but you don't want to overreact to a minor ache.
At Massapequa Podiatry Associates’ Sports Center, our experienced podiatrists understand the unique needs of athletes. We're here to help you identify when a sports injury requires professional care—and with prompt treatment and rehabilitation, we can get you back to the activities you love. Keep reading to learn which symptoms warrant a visit to our Long Island podiatry office and how we treat common sports-related foot and ankle conditions.
4 Signs You Need to See a Sports Podiatrist ![Signs You Need to See a Sports Podiatrist]()
Despite the best prevention efforts, injuries can still occur.
A professional evaluation is crucial for the proper diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries. Our experienced team of sports medicine specialists provides personalized care for your specific needs. Here are some of the most common symptoms indicating it’s time for a consultation with us.
1. Pain That Persists or Worsens Over Time
It's normal to feel some soreness after a tough game or long run. But if your pain lingers for more than a few days or seems to be getting worse, schedule an appointment. Persistent pain could indicate a more serious injury, such as Achilles tendinitis or a stress fracture. Ignoring these conditions can lead to further damage and longer recovery times. Our Massapequa podiatrists will accurately diagnose your injury and develop a treatment plan to alleviate your pain.
2. Swelling, Bruising, or Redness
Noticeable swelling, bruising, or redness around your foot or ankle is a big red flag. These symptoms often accompany sprains, strains, and fractures. If you notice these signs after a sudden twist, fall, or direct blow, it's best to have your injury evaluated. Even if you can bear weight on the affected foot, you may still have a significant injury that requires professional treatment. Our sports podiatry team in Massapequa will determine the extent of your injury and recommend the appropriate course of action.
3. Difficulty Bearing Weight
If you can't put weight on your foot or ankle without significant pain, you should see a podiatrist right away. This symptom could indicate a severe sprain or fracture that requires immediate attention. Attempting to walk or play through the pain can worsen the injury and prolong your recovery. Our Massapequa foot and ankle specialists will provide the care you need to heal properly and regain your strength.
4. Numbness, Tingling, or Burning Sensations
While less common, numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your foot or ankle could signal nerve damage or circulatory issues. These symptoms may be related to conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathy. If you experience these sensations, especially if they persist or worsen over time, it's important to have them assessed. Our Massapequa podiatry practice helps identify the underlying cause and provides comprehensive treatment to alleviate the underlying cause.
Common Sports Injuries and Innovative Treatments
At Massapequa Podiatry Associates of Long Island, we treat a wide range of sports-related foot and ankle conditions using the latest techniques and technologies. Here are just a few of the conditions we treat with innovative methods.
Achilles Tendinitis
This overuse injury causes pain and inflammation in the tendon connecting your calf muscle to your heel bone. We offer Tenex, a minimally invasive procedure using ultrasonic energy to remove damaged tissue and promote healing. Shockwave therapy, which uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, is also highly effective for this condition.
Plantar Fasciitis
A common cause of heel pain, it develops when the thick band of tissue supporting your arch becomes inflamed. Our podiatrists use MLS laser therapy, a non-invasive treatment that reduces pain and inflammation while promoting tissue repair. In some cases, we might also recommend custom orthotics to provide targeted support and correct biomechanical imbalances contributing to the condition.
Ankle Sprains
These sports injuries occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear due to activities involving jumping or uneven terrain. For chronic ankle instability, we may recommend Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy. This regenerative treatment uses the healing properties of your own blood platelets to accelerate healing and strengthen the affected ligaments.
Turf Toe
When the big toe joint is hyperextended, it often suffers a sprain. This is frequently associated with playing on artificial turf. We may prescribe custom orthotics to provide support and stabilization during the healing process. MLS laser therapy can also be beneficial in reducing pain and promoting tissue repair.
Ingrown Toenails
While not exclusive to athletes, ingrown toenails can be exacerbated by physical activity. We offer Onyfix, an innovative technique that uses a composite resin strip to gently realign the affected nail, relieving pain and preventing recurrence. This allows athletes to continue training with minimal disruption.
Our Massapequa sports podiatrists stay at the forefront of advancements in foot and ankle care, ensuring our patients have access to the most effective treatment options available. We tailor our approach to your unique needs, helping you recover as quickly and safely as possible.
Importance of Prompt Treatment for Sports Injuries
When it comes to sports injuries, early intervention is key. Seeking prompt treatment from a skilled foot health specialist helps:
- Prevent further damage. Continuing to play or train through an injury leads to more serious complications and longer recovery times. Our podiatrists will identify the extent of your injury and advise you on the appropriate actions.
- Speed up recovery. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, you can recover from your injury more quickly and get back to your sport sooner. As athletes ourselves, we understand how important it is that you heal well and regain your strength and mobility.
- Reduce the risk of re-injury. Without proper treatment and rehabilitation, you may be more susceptible to re-injuring the same area in the future. Our thorough examination and diagnostics address any underlying issues, and we take considerable time providing the right education and guidance on how to prevent future injuries.
Massapequa Sports Podiatrists Help You Get Back in the Game
Think of your feet and ankles as a complex machine—because, in many ways, they are. They contain more than a quarter of the bones in your entire body and are connected to muscles and each other via networks of tendons and ligaments. It’s all put together in a way that allows us to move quickly, efficiently, and effortlessly.
At Massapequa Podiatry Associates’ Sports Center, we're committed to helping athletes of all levels recover from foot and ankle injuries and get back to the activities they love. If you're experiencing any concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to contact our office for an evaluation. Our experienced podiatrists work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals.