With winter gone and beautiful sunny days ahead, most people who live in North Carolina find that getting outdoors and enjoying the weather is much anticipated. Activities may include walking, jogging, hiking, boating, softball or golfing. Unfortunately, this time of year also brings foot and ankle injuries. With the additional pressure placed on the lower extremities, many people suffer injuries from overuse. These problems can spoil weeks of summer fun. To prevent this, orthopedic foot & ankle specialists in NC should be seen as soon as symptoms arise. This can prevent the condition from worsening and with proper treatment, recovery can be faster for not missing any of those fun, outdoor activities. Certain types of injuries do tend to occur more often during the warm and sunny days when everyone is outdoors enjoying their favorite sport or activity. Common sports injuries include tendonitis, sprains, neuromas, stress fractures and plantar fasciitis.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis often affects individuals who participate in outdoor activities during the weekends or those who are just beginning a new activity. This condition causes pain and swelling of the foot, ankle and sometimes the Achilles tendon. Because tendonitis can be difficult to treat, the sooner orthopedic foot & ankle specialists in NC treats it, the better the chance for faster recovery.

Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are a common injury among athletes who must move side-to-side or who play on uneven surfaces or in confined areas. These types of injuries occur when ligaments located around the ankle become over-stretched or tear. Treatment often includes resting the ankle, rehabilitation and exercises to strengthen the injured area. For severe tears, surgery may be required.

Neuromas

Neuromas are nerves that have become pinched, often due to poor-fitting shoes. This condition can cause severe numbness of the toes and pain. Pain usually starts out gradual with cramping or burning and tingling. These symptoms may present themselves after walking or standing for extended periods. When walking, it may feel as if you are stepping on a cord. Treatment may include medication, shoe adjustments, ultrasound and orthotics.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures occur from overusing the feet and ankles, poor-fitting shoes and excessive pressure from hard surfaces. Stress fracture symptoms include pain and swelling. These types of injuries should be treated immediately by an orthopedic specialist to prevent complications.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common injury among runners and joggers. This sports injury occurs when the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. It is also called heel-spur syndrome.