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As the weather slowly warms up, more and more kids will be participating in a range of sports this spring, such as soccer and track, that may cause harm to their feet or ankles if not properly managed. Damage can occur to bones, tendons and ligaments in kids' feet and ankles that are not fully developed. Pain is never normal in a child's foot or ankle. Any pain that lasts a few days should be evaluated by your Chicago podiatrists. One common injury experienced during sports is an ankle sprain. Ankle sprains are caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones of the foot, which may result in excessive stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The severity of the sprain can impact the degree of damage as well as the type and duration of treatment. If not properly treated, ankle sprains may develop into long-term problems. Soccer Soccer involves a lot of running, twisting, turning, and jumping, making it one of the hardest games on the feet. Different movements can put all areas of the foot at risk, which is why proper conditioning, stretching, and well-fitted shoes are critical to a healthy enjoyment of soccer, or any sport for that matter. Ankle sprains are a particularly common injury in soccer, but the repeated shock and pressures on the foot can also lead to inflammations, including Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and sesamoiditis, or even fractures. When it comes to proper shoes for soccer, foot and ankle stability, shock absorption, and traction are the most important qualities for soccer shoes. If you are prone to ankle injuries, it is important to wear the correct shoes. Athletic footwear should be fitted to hold the foot in the position that is the most natural to the movement involved and should be replaced after one year of use. Treatments: Arthroscopic Surgery When conservative treatments such as resting, elevating the ankle and applying ice to reduce swelling fail to relieve pain, surgery, casting or bracing may be recommended by your Chicago podiatrist. Arthroscopic surgery on the foot and ankle may be used as a diagnostic or treatment procedure, or both. A small instrument, called an arthroscope, penetrates the skin through small incisions. Tiny cameras can be inserted through the arthroscope, allowing the surgeon to accurately see the area and/or damage. Other small instruments can be inserted through the arthroscope to make other surgical corrections. Since arthroscopy is less-invasive and traumatic than traditional surgery, it reduces the risk of infection and swelling, allowing for a significantly speedier healing and recovery. Most arthroscopic surgeries of the foot and ankle are performed on a same-day, outpatient basis using a local anesthetic. To prevent ankle sprains try to maintain strength, balance, and flexibility in the foot and ankle through exercise and stretching, as well as wearing well-fitted shoes. If you experience pain in your foot or ankle it is important to visit your podiatrist in Chicago for further diagnosis and treatment to prevent damage.
Sean Hartmen writes for Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd., the first providers of PinPointe FootLaser in Chicago. Offering an array of specialized treatments for foot and ankle conditions, such as treating Chicago nail fungus, this Chicago podiatrist at Six Corners Medical Center is equipped to handle any podiatric need.
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