Our Services / Sports Injuries

What are sports injuries?

Sports injuries occur during physically demanding activities, like running, lifting weights, or playing sports. Anyone can experience injuries while playing sports, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Living a sedentary lifestyle
• Rushing into a new type of activity
• Failing to warm-up
• Participating in contact sports (like football or hockey)

If you or a loved one suffers an injury while exercising and it doesn’t respond to at-home treatments, like ice and rest, contact Dr. Sadoughi at Chevy Chase Foot & Ankle right away.

What are some examples of sports injuries?

At Chevy Chase Foot & Ankle, Dr. Sadoughi diagnoses and treats various sports injuries, including:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Swollen muscles
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Achilles tendonitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Fractures
• Dislocations

You might also benefit from sports injury treatment if you develop a heel spur.

How are sports injuries diagnosed?

At Chevy Chase Foot & Ankle, Dr. Sadoughi diagnoses sports injuries during an in-office visit.

First, he reviews your medical records and asks about the injury, including what you were doing when it occurred, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and if it’s responding to at-home treatments like ice and rest.

Next, Dr. Sadoughi asks you to remove your shoes and socks. He carefully examines your feet, toes, and ankles looking for signs of bruising, swelling, or redness. Dr. Sadoughi also checks your reflexes, flexibility, and range of motion. If he suspects you have a fracture or a soft tissue injury, Dr. Sadoughi orders X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan.

How are sports injuries treated?

Treatment of sports injuries depends on several factors, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and their effect on your daily routine. 

Usually, Dr. Sadoughi recommends conservative treatments, like ice, rest, physical therapy, bracing, or splinting. If these treatments don’t provide lasting relief, you might be a candidate for surgery. At Chevy Chase Foot & Ankle, Dr. Sadoughi performs traditional open surgery as well as minimally invasive surgery. 

Can sports injuries be prevented?

If you want to reduce the risk of a sports injury, Dr. Sadoughi recommends:

• Wearing the necessary safety gear
• Warming up before exercise
• Listening to your body
• Easing into new activities
• Not overdoing it

It’s also important you practice the proper form and technique. 

Don’t let sports injuries keep you from your favorite activities; make an appointment at Chevy Chase Foot & Ankle by calling the office or booking online today.