Sports Injuries and Recovery Times
Is your team playing this weekend? Whether you’re watching the big game or cheering on the athlete in your family, you hold your breath for a moment when someone is injured. Witnessing someone in pain or wondering the extent of an injury can be frightening. As a parent of an athlete, the wait can seem to happen in slow motion.
Once an injury takes place, the sports doctors must quickly and accurately determine the condition. Did the fall or twist look worse than the actual injury? Then, it’s recovery time. Each person is different, but do you know which injuries take the longest to heal? The Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists treat common sports conditions often. One of the biggest mistakes a patient can make is rushing recovery.
Below are two common injuries and recovery times.
High ankle sprain
There’s an ankle sprain, which can cause the usual pain and swelling. There’s also a high ankle sprain. With this condition, a different set of ligaments is affected. The group of ligaments is known as syndesmosis. While you may not see as much swelling and bruising, the pain is more intense.
What is the cause? Sudden twisting and turning of the ankle as someone runs or jumps.
Average recovery time? 4-6 weeks but with lasting effects
Torn Achilles
If you see someone tear or rupture their Achilles tendon, you have witnessed a severe injury. The tendon connects your heel bone to your calf muscle. As you can imagine, it plays a major role in how we move. Here’s one example: pointing your toes up and down.
What is the cause? Most often, a quick, forceful motion causes stress to the calf muscle.
Average recovery time? About nine months.
Preventing injuries
We love sharing ways to prevent injuries. We understand that even with the best foot and ankle care, foot and ankle injuries occur. To minimize your risk, here are a few suggestions:
1. Stretch before and after games and practices
2. Choose the right pair of shoes
3. Stop if you feel pain or detect swelling or bruising
If you experience an injury, we’re a phone call away. We’ll help you get a proper diagnosis and create a treatment plan.
With locations in Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, we have vast experience treating issues of the ankles and feet. Our doctors, Dr. Christopher M. Funk, Dr. Bradley A. Whitaker, Dr. Peter C. Merrill, and Dr. Zeno Pfau. Our doctors offer the greatest in technologically advanced methods and cutting-edge medical treatments. Please call 520-575-0800 to make an appointment.
