Sports Medicine

What You Need To Know

A precise diagnosis early on is what keeps a minor injury from becoming a lasting one. Here’s how our team evaluates and treats sports-related injuries.

When to See a Podiatrist for a Sports Injury

Podiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat the lower leg, ankle, and foot in detail. At University Foot and Ankle Institute, our providers care for patients across every activity level, from competitive athletes to kids just starting a new sport.

Schedule a sports medicine visit if you notice: – Moderate to severe bruising or swelling – Pain or difficulty bearing weight – A sense that the ankle may give out – Decreased range of motion – Heel pain that doesn’t ease with rest – Any suspected fracture, even if the pain seems manageable

For parents: Growing bodies carry risks adult bodies don’t, including growth plate injuries and overuse strain tied to year-round travel team schedules. Kids often can’t clearly describe what hurts — a new limp or a change in gait is worth a visit on its own.

Conditions we treat include: – Fractures – Ankle sprains – Muscle strains and tendonitis – Plantar fasciitis – Achilles tendon injuries – Shin splints and flexor tendon injuries

Why Early Sports Injury Evaluation Matters What Treatment Looks Like

Playing through pain rarely pays off. A strain left untreated often turns into a longer, harder-to-resolve issue. Evaluating an injury early gives us the clearest picture and the best chance of getting you back to your sport safely.

Your recovery plan is shaped by your specific injury and your goals. – Reducing pain and inflammation: Ice, heat, taping, shockwave therapy, and MLS Laser Therapy – Rebuilding strength and mobility: Physical therapy and structured rehab – Fracture care: Treating the break first, then rehabbing the surrounding muscles and joints – Lowering re-injury risk: Identifying and correcting the mechanical weakness behind the injury – Matching care to your sport: Rehab adjusted for the repeated impact of running, the cutting motion of court sports, or the contact demands of field sports – Supporting young athletes: Managing overuse strain and growth-related heel pain during demanding seasons