The bat cracks and the crowd goes wild. The crowd’s roar can be heard from high school ball diamonds all the way to Safeco Field. Spring is here. Whether you warm the bleachers at your kids’ games or take in a Mariners game this weekend, one thing you hate to see is a player down on the field with an injury. Baseball injuries may be an inevitable part of the game, but proper treatment can lead to full healing and help players avoid future complications.
Ankle sprains are so common that we sometimes underestimate their damage. Running the bases, dashing sideways to field a ball, or sliding into second can all cause the ligaments in your ankle to stretch too far. Pain may keep you off your feet for a while, but many players don’t take the proper time to heal properly from a sprain. The end result is weak ankles, future sprains, and chronic problems throughout their lives.
Overtraining can lead to Achilles tendinopathy and heel pain from plantar fasciitis, further limiting you from playing your best game. These conditions will get worse if you try to tough it out and play through the pain. You need to rest and seek proper treatment to avoid permanent damage to your lower limbs.
Wearing cleats can aggravate forefoot problems like neuromas and sesamoid injuries. Many cleats fit too tightly in the toe and bother bunions and hammertoes, too. Make sure your cleats are fitted snugly but contain enough room for your toes.
Finally, there are always those odd injuries, like getting hit with a bat or a ball or being stomped on by somebody’s cleats. Whatever form your baseball injuries take, Dr. Howard Schaengold at The Plateau Foot & Ankle Clinic in Sammamish is the place to go for expert diagnosis and treatment. In Sammamish, Bellevue, Issaquah, and Redmond, we’re only a phone call away at (425) 868-3338. We specialize in sports medicine and will help you heal completely so you can get back in the game without pain.
Photo credit: Now and Zen Photography via freedigitalphotos.net
