Don’t Let Foot or Ankle Injuries Keep You Out of the Game
Is a foot or ankle injury threatening to slow you down or take you out of the game? Whether you’re running, training, competing, or staying active, your feet and ankles absorb incredible stress with every movement. Injuries can derail your progress and keep you on the sidelines, but the right treatment can get you back on your feet—stronger than before.
At Ankle & Foot Associates of Northern Michigan, Dr. Bacik, Dr. Brausa, and our expert team specialize in sports injury care, offering non-invasive, effective treatments that help athletes and active individuals recover quickly and safely.
Common Sports-Related Foot & Ankle Injuries We Treat
Athletes and active individuals are at high risk for acute injuries from trauma and chronic overuse conditions. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden injury or ongoing pain, we’re here to help.
Here are some of the most common foot and ankle injuries we treat:
✅ Plantar Fasciitis – A leading cause of heel pain, often due to overuse, improper footwear, or foot structure issues. Pain is worse in the morning or after rest.
✅ Achilles Tendonitis & Ruptures – Inflammation or tearing of the Achilles tendon due to repetitive stress or sudden movement. Symptoms include heel pain, stiffness, and swelling.
✅ Ankle & Foot Sprains – Ligament injuries that cause pain, swelling, bruising, and instability, often from a misstep or twist.
✅ Stress Fractures & Broken Bones – Tiny cracks or complete fractures in foot or ankle bones due to overuse, repetitive impact, or trauma.
✅ Morton’s Neuroma – A painful nerve condition in the ball of the foot, often caused by high-impact activities or tight footwear.
✅ Bursitis – Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the joints, leading to pain and tenderness.
Sports Injury Treatments to Get You Back in Action
At Ankle & Foot Associates of Northern Michigan, we understand that getting back to peak performance is your priority. That’s why we offer advanced, non-surgical treatments to speed up healing and restore mobility.
Your customized treatment plan may include:
🔹 Custom Orthotics – Prescription shoe inserts designed to relieve pressure, improve foot alignment, and prevent re-injury.
🔹 Immobilization – Walking boots, casts, or bracing to stabilize fractures, sprains, or severe tendon injuries.
🔹 Minimally Invasive Procedures – When needed, we offer state-of-the-art interventions to repair damage and restore function without major surgery.
Why Choose Our Sports Injury Care?
✔ Expert Care from Sports Injury Specialists – Our podiatrists have extensive experience in treating athletes and active individuals.
✔ Non-Surgical Treatment Options – We focus on minimally invasive therapies to help you heal faster without unnecessary downtime.
✔ Personalized Recovery Plans – Every injury is unique. We tailor your treatment to your sport, activity level, and long-term goals.
✔ Preventative Strategies to Avoid Future Injuries – We educate, support, and guide you in strengthening and protecting your feet for long-term performance.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Don’t let a foot or ankle injury hold you back from the activities you love. At Ankle & Foot Associates of Northern Michigan, we provide expert sports injury care to help you recover quickly and get back in the game.
What are the most common foot and ankle injuries in athletes?
Athletes and active individuals are prone to several foot and ankle injuries, including:
✔ Plantar fasciitis (heel pain caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia)
✔ Achilles tendonitis (swelling and pain in the Achilles tendon)
✔ Sprains & strains (ligament or muscle injuries from twisting or overuse)
✔ Stress fractures (tiny cracks in foot or ankle bones caused by repetitive impact)
✔ Morton’s neuroma (nerve pain in the ball of the foot)
✔ Bursitis (joint inflammation causing pain and stiffness)
How do I know if my foot or ankle injury is serious?
Seek medical attention if you experience:
✔ Severe pain or swelling that doesn’t improve with rest
✔ Bruising, numbness, or tingling in the injured area
✔ Inability to bear weight or walk without limping
✔ Pain that worsens with activity and doesn’t subside with rest
Ignoring symptoms can lead to long-term complications and delayed healing. A podiatrist can diagnose the issue and recommend the best treatment plan.
How long does it take to recover from a foot or ankle sports injury?
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury:
🔹 Mild sprains or strains – 1 to 3 weeks
🔹 Plantar fasciitis or tendonitis – 4 to 8 weeks with proper treatment
🔹 Stress fractures – 6 to 8 weeks of reduced activity
🔹 More severe fractures or ruptures – 3 months or longer
Early treatment can speed up recovery and prevent further damage.
What are the best non-surgical treatments for foot and ankle sports injuries?
At Ankle & Foot Associates of Northern Michigan, we offer:
🔹 Custom orthotics to improve foot support and alignment
🔹 Immobilization with braces, walking boots, or splints for stability
🔹 Swift Microwave Therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing
🔹 Stretching and strengthening exercises to restore mobility and prevent re-injury
🔹 Minimally invasive procedures for more severe injuries
Can I still exercise while recovering from a foot or ankle injury?
In some cases, low-impact activities like swimming or cycling may be allowed. However, it’s important to avoid high-impact activities that put stress on the injury until your podiatrist clears you for activity.
Following a personalized treatment and rehab plan can help you heal faster and prevent future injuries.
How can I prevent foot and ankle injuries during sports?
To reduce your risk of injury:
✔ Wear proper footwear that provides support and cushioning
✔ Warm up and stretch before physical activity
✔ Use custom orthotics if you have high arches or flat feet
✔ Strengthen foot and ankle muscles with targeted exercises
✔ Avoid overtraining by gradually increasing intensity and allowing recovery time
If you’ve had a previous foot or ankle injury, a podiatrist can recommend personalized strategies to prevent re-injury.
