What is podiatric sports medicine?
Podiatric sports medicine focuses on evaluating, treating, and preventing foot and ankle injuries that occur during sports or exercise.
Participating in sports — especially those that involve running — puts a lot of stress on your feet and ankles. Too much stress can result in injuries.
Dr. Beckman is an avid athlete himself, having completed nine Ironman events. He and the team at Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC work with athletes of all ages and skill levels, from elementary school-aged children who get hurt on the field to mature adults who want to maintain an active lifestyle.
What sports injuries affect the foot and ankle?
Your feet and ankles help you run quickly, pivot sharply, and land gracefully from a jump. All of this movement leaves the foot and ankle susceptible to a wide range of sports injuries, including:
Stress fractures
A stress fracture is a tiny crack in the bone. Stress fractures cause foot pain, swelling, and possible bruising.
Sprains
Ankle sprains occur when you twist, roll, or turn your ankle beyond its normal range of motion. This forces the ligaments in your ankle to stretch and tear. Sprains range in severity from mild tears to a complete rupturing of the ligament. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, swelling, and instability.
Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the large tendon that runs behind your heel. Achilles tendonitis is a common cause of pain and swelling at the back of the heel.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that connects the bottom of your heel bone to the front of your foot. Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain that’s usually worse after long periods of rest.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoids are small bones in the front of your foot near the big toe. These bones can break, and the surrounding tendons can become inflamed. Either situation can lead to sesamoiditis, which causes pain at the ball of the foot.
What are common sports medicine treatments?
First, the team at Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC reviews your medical history and performs a physical exam. They may also take an imaging test, such as an X-ray, to evaluate the extent of your sports injury.
Then, they create a customized sports medicine treatment plan. Depending on the type and severity of your injury, treatment may include:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Medications to reduce pain and inflammation
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Custom orthotics
- Bracing, splinting, or taping the foot
- Using an assistive device like crutches
Severe injuries, such as a completely torn ligament, and those that don’t improve with conservative treatment may require surgery.
For complete care in podiatric sports medicine, call Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC today.
