Sports injuries and emergencies
Sporting and emergency injuries
Have you had a recent lower leg injury and think you need an x-ray? Rather than waiting hours at ED, our podiatrists are trained to handle acute injuries of the lower leg such as bone fractures, broken toes, ankle sprains and sport injuries. We can identify what structures are injured, then determine and provide further imaging when necessary to save you time. We can then provide any offloading boots/strapping and initiate an immediate care plan to get you back on your feet, fast!
Ankle sports injuries
Ankle sprains
- 80% of patients who present to a medical professional for an ankle sprain has had one previously.
- 40% of individuals who sustain an ankle sprain go on to develop chronic ankle instability (CAI).
- Ankle sprains and CAI, if left untreated, are significant risk factors for the development of osteoarthritis in the ankle
- Damaged ligaments do not heal back to 100% of their supportive capabilities without proper rehabilitation/strengthening
This shows the importance of treating an ankle sprain with a proper rehabilitation plan to prevent serious issues arising and even surgery! But before we get to that, what is an ankle sprain?
What is an ankle sprain?
The ankle is comprised of ligaments; strong bands of connective tissue that provide stability and support to the ankle.
The lateral ankle has 3 main ligaments: The anterior-talofibular ligament (ATFL), Calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and the posterior-talofibular ligament (PTFL). A lateral ankle sprains occur when your foot ‘rolls out’ in a rapid and excessive motion that results in stretching and potentially tearing these ligaments.
The medial or inside ankle has a large broad ligament called the Deltoid ligament. This ligament is much stronger and therefore medial ankle sprains are seen less commonly than lateral ankle sprains. They occur in the same manner as a LAS but in the opposite direction (rolling-in). These are generally considered worse and take longer to rehabilitate.
Sports injuries treatment Perth
What can we do?
Our podiatrists are highly skilled at identifying which structures are injured and whether further imaging is required. After we have identified what structures are injured, we go through a 4-stage rehabilitation program.
Stage 1: Protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation (P.R.I.C.E) for 0-5 days
Stage 2: Mobilise and prevent fascial restrictions 3-10 days
Stage 3: Balance, proprioception and strength retraining 7-21 days
Stage 4: sport-specific and dynamic retraining 21days onwards
We can determine when patients are safely able to return to sport based on clinical testing and functional outcomes. We can also determine whether a surgical opinion is needed and refer you directly to the surgeons.
Why pick us?
We see many athletes at The Foot Clinic, from elite professional players, to the “weekend-warrior" all the way down to kids, and we know how frustrating it is to be injured and unable to play sport.
That’s why we utilise a multilayered treatment approach with MLS Laser Therapy, Power-Plate proprioception stimulation and FMT that all have shown significant improvement in the time it takes for you to return to sport. Not only that, but we will look at your specific biomechanics and running patterns to determine if you are at higher risk of ankle sprains and how to improve you athletic capabilities!
Teams & events we have worked with
