Central Massachusetts Podiatry  >  Our Services  >  Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are one of the most common reasons patients come in to see Drs. Feldman, Saviet, Pelto, and Monette at Central Massachusetts Podiatry in Worcester, and Westborough, Massachusetts.

Sports Injuries Q & A

What are sports injuries?

In a nutshell, sports injuries are any sort of injury that occurs when you are playing sports or engaged in physical activity. These types of injuries may happen by accident or due to improper training, mechanics, or equipment.

If you sustain a sports injury, you need to stop the activity right away to prevent further harm to yourself. Contact the friendly and knowledgeable professionals at Central Massachusetts Podiatry for step-by-step advice on how to care for sports injuries until you can come in to see the podiatrist.

How are the most common sports injuries sustained?

The most common sports injuries include Achilles tendon injuries, dislocations, fractures, knee injuries, pain associated with the shin bone, sprains and strains, and swollen muscles.

Sports injuries may be acute or chronic in nature. Acute sports injuries are those that happen all of a sudden. These injuries may involve loss of movement in the joint, sudden and severe pain, a bone knocked out of place, swelling or tenderness in the joint, and not being able to put weight on the body part in question.

Chronic sports injuries happen after playing a sport or exercising over a period of time. You might notice a chronic injury due to experiencing a dull ache while resting, experiencing pain when playing or exercising, and swelling at the joint or muscle.

What can my podiatrist do to treat sports injuries?

If you sustain a sports injury, you should immediately stop playing or engaging in that activity. Home care typically involves applying the RICE method, which refers to resting the injured body part, applying ice, compressing it to minimize further damage, and elevating it.

Depending on the location and severity of the injury, Drs. Feldman, Saviet, Monette, or Pelto will determine what sort of treatment is required. Treatment may include use of over-the-counter pain medications and immobilization with a sling, splint, or cast. In situations when connective tissue has been torn or a bone is out of place, surgery may be necessary to repair or expedite healing of the injury.

Talk to your doctor about how to care for sports injuries and prevent future injuries from happening.