Reconstructive Surgery for Sports Injuries

Competitive athletes and weekend warriors alike rely on the podiatric surgeons at MedStar Health to provide expert assessment of their foot and ankle issues. Our sports medicine specialists have seen all kinds of injuries on the court, in the field, and at the gym, and they have the expertise to handle the most complex foot and ankle cases. Whether your injury is mild or severe, you benefit from having the latest technology and treatments available. We’ll create a treatment plan to get you back in the game as quickly and safely as possible.

Planning and recovery

Achilles tendon injuries

Achilles tendon injuries can happen when you run, jump, pivot, or collide during high-impact activities. When the tendon is stretched too far, a partial or complete tear can be painful and debilitating. If you experience a snapping or popping sensation in your heel, it’s important to get medical care right away.

Treatment: Wearing a cast, walking boot, or brace can help a mild Achilles tendon injury heal on its own, but without surgery, you may remain vulnerable to a subsequent, potentially more serious injury. Surgery may help reduce the likelihood of re-injury and also help improve muscle function and movement.

Ankle sprains

Ankle sprains are bound to happen when you’re playing sports, but the severity of an ankle sprain can vary widely. With a bad sprain, stretching, or tearing of the ankle ligaments can result in extensive swelling, pain, and difficulty walking. If you have severe pain and swelling, or you cannot put weight on your foot, you should see a doctor right away. For mild sprains, schedule an appointment if you have pain and swelling that doesn’t improve after a few days.

Treatment: Ice and over-the-counter medication can help alleviate some symptoms, but the ankle should be examined to determine the full extent of the damage and the appropriate treatment options to ensure a full recovery. Surgery may be required to repair the ligaments.

Chronic ankle instability

Frequent ankle sprains can have a cumulative effect that makes the ankle more susceptible to problems such as chronic swelling, pain, tenderness, or additional sprains. If your ankles feel wobbly and give way more easily, you may have chronic ankle instability.

Treatment: Physical therapy, bracing, and medication may be needed to treat chronic instability. If ligaments have been seriously damaged, surgery may be needed. A physical therapy program can also help strengthen foot and ankle muscles, and help patients develop a stronger sense of balance.

Stress fractures

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone, commonly in the lower leg and foot. They are often caused by overuse or repetitive use, such as repeated jumps or running long distances. Stress fractures are a common injury for runners, basketball players, dancers, and gymnasts — and they can happen to anyone if you increase your activity level too quickly.

Treatment: Your doctor may direct you to stay off the affected limb for a number of weeks or several months. Treatment for stress fractures may include wearing a walking boot or brace or using crutches to reduce the bone’s weight-bearing load. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to help the healing process.

Turf toe

Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe caused by stretching or tearing of ligaments. It often happens when an athlete’s shoe gets caught while playing on artificial turf, causing a hyperextension of the big toe. However, this type of injury can happen on any surface.

Treatment: Turf toe treatment usually involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation. However, it’s important to have the injury examined, because a doctor may order an X-ray to rule out a fracture or broken bone. Wearing a walking boot or stiff-soled shoes may also be helpful to protect the toe and promote healing.