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Sports Injuries of the Foot and Ankle: What to Do and When to See a Podiatrist


Athlete sitting on a track wrapping an injured ankle with a bandage

A Little About Sports Injuries

Whether you're out there on Friday night under the lights, chasing your kids around the park, or training for your next race, your feet and ankles do the heavy lifting. Pittle Podiatry has been caring for El Paso's feet since 1972, and we've seen just about every kind of sports injury come through the door, from the high school athlete to the weekend warrior who just had to try one more mile.

The Injuries We See Most

  • Ankle sprains. A rolled ankle that stretches or tears the ligaments is one of the most common sports injuries around.
  • Heel pain. Sharp pain in the heel, especially with those first steps in the morning, is often a sign that the tissue under the foot is overworked.
  • Achilles tendon pain. Soreness or stiffness at the back of the heel or just above it can build up too much too soon.
  • Stress fractures. Small cracks in a bone from repeated pounding can start out as a nagging ache that gets worse with activity.
  • Blisters, bruised nails, and toe injuries. They seem small, but they can sideline you if they're ignored.

What You Can Do Right Away

For a mild sprain or soreness, the basics can help while you figure out what's going on:

  • Rest the area and cut back on the activity that hurts
  • Ice it for short periods to help with swelling
  • Wrap or support the ankle if it feels wobbly
  • Raise your foot when you can
  • Swap worn-out shoes for a pair that fits and supports you

Doing All We Can

Pushing through pain is how a small problem turns into a long one. Come in if you can't put weight on your feet, if the swelling or bruising is bad, if pain gets worse with activity or wakes you at night, or if a "sprain" still isn't feeling right after a few days. A sprain and a fracture can feel a lot alike, and the only way to know is to get it looked at.

Southern Hospitality

We treat every patient like family, from your kids' first season to your own comeback. We're proud to offer bilingual care for our El Paso community, because taking care of your feet is taking care of your family. Schedule an appointment with Pittle Podiatry today, and let's get you back in the game.

This article is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please talk with your provider about your specific foot and ankle health needs.