Advanced Foot and Ankle Care from Utah's Sports Podiatrists
Whether in the gym or outdoors, foot and ankle pain or injuries can have a serious impact on your performance. At Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle, we have extensive training and experience treating foot and ankle fractures, sprains, and overuse injuries. Our team of highly-trained podiatrists understands athletic performance and the complexity of sports injuries to the lower extremities.
Common Foot and Ankle Sports Injuries
Salt Lake City is a mecca for nature-loving enthusiasts and athletes. Our mountains are great for skiing and hiking, but playing hard in the outdoors often leads to injury. Sprains, fractures, turf toe, overuse injuries, and shin splints are among the most common outdoor injuries. If you suffer a sports injury, it's important to get evaluated, diagnosed, and treated quickly and accurately, so you can get back to playing in and around our great state.
Treating Common Sports Injuries
We specialize in the careful diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries and conditions related to the foot and ankle. Prompt treatment is important when it comes to sports injuries to avoid chronic instability that can prevent you from performing in your sport. Left untreated, many injuries and conditions can lead to more serious damage or even permanent damage.
At Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle, we provide elite-level medical care for your sports injuries. We utilize physical therapy, casting, immobilization, laser therapy, medications, and surgery to give you the best possible outcome.
Time away from your sport is difficult. We focus on getting you back to your activities by helping you feel strong, stable, and confident in your foot and ankle injury recovery.
Common Symptons of Foot or Ankle Sports Injury
Sports injuries to the lower limb can come on suddenly or build over time. Get evaluated if you experience:
- Pain that worsens with activity or returns each time you resume your sport
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness over a specific spot
- Instability or a feeling that the ankle is “giving way”
- Reduced range of motion or difficulty bearing weight
- A pop or snap at the moment of injury
Acute vs. Overuse Injuries
Acute injuries — ankle sprains, fractures, and Achilles ruptures — happen in an instant from a fall, twist, or collision. Overuse injuries — plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and tendonitis — build slowly when training volume outpaces what the tissue can handle. The Wasatch Front’s skiing, trail running, and climbing put both kinds of stress on the foot and ankle. The distinction matters: acute injuries usually need prompt immobilization and imaging, while overuse injuries respond to load management, footwear changes, and a gradual return-to-sport plan.
When to See a Sports Podiatrist
Seek care promptly if you cannot bear weight, heard a pop at the time of injury, have swelling that does not settle within 48 hours, or notice pain that comes back every time you return to activity. Early, accurate diagnosis is the surest way to avoid a minor injury becoming a chronic one. We can typically see injured athletes within 48 hours at our Murray, Draper, and Tooele clinics.
Preventing Foot and Ankle Sports Injuries
Many injuries are preventable. Warm up before activity, and increase training duration or intensity gradually. A good rule of thumb is no more than about 10% per week. Replace worn-out shoes, choose footwear designed for your sport, and strengthen your calves and ankles with regular balance and mobility work. If your foot structure contributes to repeated injuries, custom orthotics can correct the underlying mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Injuries
How long does an ankle sprain take to heal?
A mild sprain often improves within one to three weeks, while more severe sprains take longer. Proper rehabilitation is key to restoring strength and preventing re-injury.
Should I train through foot pain?
No. Pain is a signal that something is wrong, and pushing through it can turn a minor problem like a stress reaction into a full stress fracture. Get evaluated early.
Diabetic Foot Conditions
Diabetic foot conditions, such as neuropathy, poor circulation, and infections, are common complications of diabetes. These issues can lead to ulcers, wounds, and even amputations if left untreated. Early detection, proper care, and management are essential to prevent severe outcomes.
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