If you run marathons or lead a physically active lifestyle, podiatric sports medicine can reduce the risk of injuries and educate you on the importance of warming up, cooling down, and listening to your body. At North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists, Joshua Epstein, DPM, AACFAS, FACPM, and Sarina Epstein, DPM, AACFAS, offer podiatric sports medicine to people of all ages, including diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries. To make an appointment in Gainesville or Lake City, Florida, call the nearest office today.
What is podiatric sports medicine?
Podiatric sports medicine provides complete care for sports injuries that affect the feet and ankles. In addition, it educates patients on preparing for physical activity, proper safety equipment, and injury prevention.
North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists regularly works with athletes of all ages, from children to adults. If you’re a physically active individual and want to stay that way, routine podiatric sports medicine checkups can help.
What are some common injuries that podiatric sports medicine treats?
North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists uses sports medicine to treat various activity-related injuries, including:
- Ankle sprains
- Ankle fractures
- Achilles tendon tears and ruptures
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Hammertoes
- Neuromas
- Swollen muscles
- Adult acquired flat feet
- Strains
You might also benefit from podiatric sports medicine if you drop something heavy on your foot or ankle or you dislocate a joint.
When should I make an appointment for podiatric sports medicine?
North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists recommend you schedule an appointment for podiatric sports medicine if you experience an injury that looks or feels severe. That’s especially true if you develop symptoms like severe swelling and pain, instability, or the inability to place weight on your affected foot or ankle.
What happens during a podiatric sports medicine visit?
At North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists, no two podiatric sports medicine appointments are exactly alike.
If you’re visiting due to uncomfortable symptoms, your provider asks about their severity, conducts an exam, and orders diagnostic imaging like X-rays or an MRI to make a diagnosis.
If you simply want to enhance your performance and reduce the risk of an injury, your provider conducts an exam, asks about the athletic activities you participate in, and makes recommendations based on your needs.
What can I do to prevent a podiatric sports injury?
The easiest way to reduce the risk of a podiatric sports injury is to use the proper technique during your activity of choice. By practicing good form, you’re less likely to experience a strain, sprain, or pulled muscle.
North Florida Foot and Ankle Specialists also recommend wearing the necessary safety equipment, warming up before exercise, and not overdoing it. For example, if your ankle or foot hurts during activity, take a break instead of “pushing through” the discomfort.
To learn more about the benefits of podiatric sports medicine, make an appointment at North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists by calling the nearest office today.