It’s important to know when to see a foot doctor to treat your foot and ankle injuries.
Dr. Marc Ginsburg and Dr. Steven Lam, your podiatrists at Capital Region Foot Care in Albany, NY, have worked with everyone from casual runners to elite athletes, diagnosing and providing customized treatment for their various sports injuries over the years. So, when should you just take it easy and monitor your symptoms at home and when should you make an appointment with your podiatrist? Read on to learn the answer.
RICE Method
Most sprains, strains, and overuse injuries require ample rest in order to heal. This means avoiding any and all high-impact activities that could make the injury worse. Listen to your feet and ankles and if you are experiencing pain, stiffness, weakness, or swelling, for it’s important to give them a break. Most people follow the RICE method,
- Rest: Stay off your feet as much as possible
- Ice: Apply ice for up to 20 minutes at a time, 2-3 times a day
- Compression: Wrap or bandage the injured foot or ankle for support and stabilization
- Elevation: When resting, prop your injured foot above the heart to reduce swelling
You may also try over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, that can temporarily alleviate bouts of pain and inflammation. While home care may be all you need to ease strained ligaments or minor sprains, it’s important to know when it’s time to see your Albany, NY, foot doctor for your sports injuries.
Seeing a Doctor
It’s never a bad idea to check in with your podiatrist after you sustain an injury. By talking through your symptoms, our team can offer up ways to treat the problem at home or decide that it’s best to come in for treatment. If you notice any of these symptoms it’s a good idea to give us a call as soon as possible,
- Severe pain and swelling
- Inability to bear weight on the foot or ankle
- Limited mobility
- Shooting pains
- Numbness, weakness or tingling
- Deformity or changes in the shape or color of your foot or ankle
- Pain that persists or gets worse despite a week of rest and home care
If you are dealing with any sports injuries and are unsure whether you require additional treatment or care, please don’t hesitate to contact Capital Region Foot Care in Albany, NY, at (518) 465-3515.