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Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine


 

Dr. James M. Cottom of Florida Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center (FLOFAC) has dedicated his practice to the treatment of sports injuries of the foot, ankle and leg. We are able to offer the latest medical treatment options to our patients who sustain a sports related injury. He has treated professional athletes, college athletes and many patients who want to remain active. Dr. Cottom works very close and often will use physical therapy to help athletes get back to playing. At Florida Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center we have therapy in the office and Dr. Cottom oversees all patient’s treatment plans and is directly involved with the physical therapists in treating patients. STEM cell injections are often used in sports related injuries and can help keep people active and playing sports. If surgery is needed, Dr. Cottom is on the forefront of new techniques to repair sports related injuries. He has extensive experience in arthroscopic techniques to repair cartilage, ligaments and tendons. Dr. Cottom teaches other surgeons monthly on these advanced techniques as well. Please call 941.924.8777 to experience the FLOFAC difference!

Baseball Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Your feet and ankles take a beating when you’re playing baseball. Baseball players should be aware of the following risks.

  • Ankle sprains may occur while running, fielding balls, stepping on or sliding into bases. Sprains should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon to determine the extent of injury, including possible peroneal tendon injuriesor fractures. Dr. James M. Cottom of Florida Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center will develop a treatment plan: failure to fully treat and rehabilitate a sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability and recurrent sprains.
  • Overuse or excessive training may sideline some athletes with Achilles tendinopathyor heel pain (often plantar fasiciitis, or calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents).
  • Contusions may occur from impact with the ball or contact with other players.
  • Cleats may pose challenges in the forefoot and aggravation of neuromas, sesamoids, bunionsand hammertoes. To stay at the top of your game, ensure that cleats are fitted properly and have injuries evaluated by Dr. Cottom at Florida Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center.
  • One of the most common injuries seen in pitchers and catchers is ingrown toenails. If the nails are cut too short or at an angle, the torque and demand on the toes as they help balance the foot can lead to ingrowing. If ignored, this can lead to a nail infection (paronychia) and cellulitis (a potentially serious bacterial skin infection).

Basketball Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Feet and ankles take a beating in basketball! Injuries can occur from running, jumping, cutting, quick starts and stops, and direct contact with other players. Basketball players should be aware of the following:

Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries, fractures, and chronic ankle instability.

Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD) and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.

One of the most common injuries is a Jones fractures, which is a fracture of the fifth metatarsal base. This can be due to the chronic impact of the ballistic activity, running and jumping, as well as the athlete’s foot structure.

Field Hockey Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

The running and side to side cutting in field hockey are common causes of injuries to the foot and ankle. Field hockey players should be aware of the following risks:

  • Inversion ankle sprainscan damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
  • Ankle fractures, metatarsal fracturesand Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
  • Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), calcaneal apophysitisand metatarsalgia/capsulitis in children and adolescents.

Football Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Football players can receive injuries to the foot and ankle due to running, side to side cutting, or from direct trauma, such as from another player during a tackle. They should be aware of the following risks:

  • Inversion ankle sprainscan damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
  • Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, Lisfranc fracturesand turf toe can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
  • Contusions and bone bruises may also result from high impact during tackling.
  • Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD)and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents

Golf Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Although golf doesn’t involve running or jumping, injuries do occur to the foot and ankle. Golfers should be aware of the following risks:

  • Heel pain (or plantar fasciitis)can be exacerbated by excessive walking on the golf course.
  • The golf swing can also place stress upon the feet and ankles. Common complaints are especially noted to the ball of the foot that pivots to help drive the golf club through the swing. The stress on the ball of the foot can cause metatarsalgia, capsulitis of the second toe, neuromas, increased pain in the great toe joint (often hallux rigidus) and sesamoiditis.

Lacrosse Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

The running and side to side cutting in lacrosse are common causes of injuries to the foot and ankle. Lacrosse players should be aware of the following risks:

  • Inversion ankle sprainscan damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
  • Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, and Lisfranc fracturescan sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
  • Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitisin children and adolescents

Rugby Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Rugby is hard on the feet and ankles! Injuries can occur from running and cutting, direct trauma during tackling, and during the scrum. Rugby players should be aware of the following risks:

  • Inversion ankle sprainscan damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
  • Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, and Lisfranc fracturescan sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
  • Contusions and bone bruises may result from high impact during tackling.
  • Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitisin children and adolescents.

Running and Track Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Whether an athlete is a recreational, competitive, or elite runner, foot and ankle health is essential for optimal performance. Runners are susceptible to overuse injuries including heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, neuromas, capsulitis of the second toe, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.

Evaluation by Dr. Cottom will help the athlete determine the underlying cause of pain and the best course of treatment. Custom orthotic devices are often used for treatment of these conditions.

Soccer Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Soccer is hard on the feet! Injuries to the foot and ankle can occur from running and side to side cutting, sliding or tackling, and from striking the ball or another player with the foot. Soccer players should be aware of the following risks:

  • Inversion ankle sprainscan damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
  • Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, and Lisfranc fracturescan sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
  • Contusions and bone bruises may also result from high impact, such as in slide tackling.
  • Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitisin children and adolescents.

Softball Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Your feet and ankles take a beating when you’re playing softball. Softball players should be aware of the following risks:

  • Ankle sprainsmay occur while running, fielding balls, stepping on or sliding into bases. Sprains should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon to determine the extent of injury, including possible peroneal tendon injuries or fractures. Dr. James Cottom will develop a treatment plan: failure to fully treat and rehabilitate a sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability and recurrent sprains.
  • Overuse or excessive training may sideline some athletes with Achilles tendinopathyor heel pain (often plantar fasiciitis, or calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents).
  • Contusions may occur from impact with the ball or contact with other players.
  • Cleats may pose challenges in the forefoot and aggravation of neuromas, sesamoids, bunions, and hammertoes. To stay at the top of your game, ensure that cleats are fitted properly and have injuries evaluated by Dr. Cottom.

Tennis Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Tennis involves a great deal of foot work. Foot and ankle injuries can occur from the continuous side to side and quick stopping and starting motions required in this sport. The playing surface also plays a role, as hard courts are less forgiving compared to clay courts. Tennis players should be aware of the following risks:

  • Inversion ankle sprainscan damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
  • Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitisin children and adolescents.

Volleyball Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

The repetitive jumping and side to side movements required in volleyball increase the risk of injuries to the foot and ankle. Volleyball players should be aware of the following:

  • Inversion ankle sprainsare a common injury in this sport. Ankle sprains should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon to determine the extent of injury, including possible peroneal tendon injuries or fractures. Dr. James Cottom and his team will develop a treatment plan: failure to fully treat and rehabilitate a sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability and recurrent sprains.
  • Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), calcaneal apophysitisand capsulitis/synovitis in children and adolescents.

 

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Florida Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center
5741 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 490
Sarasota, FL 34233
Phone: 941-924-8777
Fax: 941-924-5888

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941-924-8777