Sports Medicine

February 27, 2025
Categories:
- Uncategorized
Tags:
Achilles tendon, ankle fracture, ankle-sprains, orthotics, plantar-fasciitis

Living in Encinitas, California, means embracing an active lifestyle—whether you’re kicking a soccer ball at Glen Park, playing pickleball at Bobby Riggs, surfing at Swami’s, running along Coast Highway 101, training for a triathlon, or simply walking the trails of San Elijo Lagoon.

But with all that action, sports injuries can sneak up and sideline you. At Carriero Foot and Ankle, your local Encinitas podiatrists, we’re here to help you recover fast and get back to the sports you love.

Common Sports Injuries We Treat in Encinitas

No matter your sport, your feet and ankles take a beating. Here are some injuries we see in our active North County community:

Ankle Sprains
A quick twist during a soccer match or a misstep on the pickleball court can leave you with a sprained ankle. Surfers catching waves at Moonlight Beach aren’t immune either—those wipeouts can do a number on your joints.
Plantar Fasciitis
Runners pounding the pavement in Encinitas and triathletes pushing through long training sessions often feel that telltale heel pain. Walking enthusiasts exploring the Self-Realization Fellowship gardens can also overdo it, inflaming that foot tissue.
Stress Fractures
Repetitive impact from running Cardiff’s Seaside Market stairs or logging triathlon miles can cause tiny cracks in your foot bones. Even avid walkers tackling Encinitas’ hilly neighborhoods might face this sneaky injury.
Achilles Tendinitis/Ruptures
Surfing’s explosive paddling or soccer’s sudden sprints can strain or rupture your Achilles tendon. Pickleball players pivoting on the court might feel that nagging ache at the back of their heel, too.
Shin Splints
Common among runners and triathletes training on Encinitas’ coastal paths, shin splints bring that sharp pain along your lower leg—especially if you’ve upped your mileage too fast.
Ankle Fractures
Soccer players and skateboarders often experience rolling of the ankle which can lead to a broken ankle. Don’t assume you’re dealing with a bad ankle sprain!

Tips to Prevent Sports Injuries

While we’re here to help when injuries strike, a little prevention goes a long way:

Warm Up: Stretch before hitting the soccer pitch or pickleball court—your calves and arches will thank you.
Wear the Right Shoes: Runners and triathletes, ditch those worn-out sneakers. Surfers, consider supportive water shoes for rocky shores like Beacon’s Beach.
Rest Up: Walking or training too hard without breaks? Give your feet a breather to avoid overuse injuries.

How We Get You Back in Action

At Carriero Foot and Ankle, we offer cutting-edge treatments to heal sports injuries:

Custom Orthotics: Perfect for runners, triathletes, and walkers needing extra support.
Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to rebuild strength after a soccer sprain or surfing tweak.
Advanced Options: From PRP or Arthrex Interfyl injections for plantar fasciitis to bracing for pickleball ankle twists, we’ve got you covered.

Conclusion

Our office located in Scripps Encinitas Memorial Hospital campus is a quick stop after a run at San Dieguito Park or a surf session at D Street. We’ll assess your injury, map out a recovery plan, and have you back on your board, court, or trail in no time.

We’re passionate about keeping our community active—from Carlsbad to Solana Beach. Carriero Foot and Ankle brings expertise and a local’s understanding of the sports that define our lifestyle. We’re here to serve everyone, from triathlon champs to casual walkers enjoying Encinitas Ranch views.

Don’t Let a Sports Injury Slow You Down. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What shoes are best for sports?

Our doctors can give recommendations on specific models base on your foot type. Wearing sport specific shoes is critical!

Do I need an insole or orthotic with my shoe?

Our doctors may recommend an over-the-counter or custom orthotic. This depends on your foot type and symptoms you may be experiencing.

Is heat or ice better for aches and pains?

Generally, icing any symptomatic area after athletics is encouraged.

Are ankle braces beneficial?

Ankle braces can provide additional support especially with activities that require quick side-to-side movements.

What are exercises to strengthen my foot and ankle?

The simplest and most effective exercise is to write the alphabet out with your foot. Schedule an appointment with our doctors to learn other beneficial exercises!

Have additional questions?

Schedule an appointment with one of our doctors

or call (760)-642-7009.

Schedule an Appointment