Podiatric sports medicine focuses on foot and ankle care that can resolve injuries that occur as a result of physical activity. For residents of Alexandria, Virginia, Philip Garrett, DPM, at Landmark Foot and Ankle Center are an outstanding resource for sports injury care. Booking a visit is as simple as a phone call or a few moments on the online scheduling page.

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What is sports medicine?

Podiatric sports medicine is an area of specialty that centers on diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot and ankle injuries. Anyone who leads an active lifestyle has an elevated risk of experiencing a sports injury.

Some examples of common lower extremity sports injuries include:

  • Ankle sprain
  • Stress fracture
  • Shin splints
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Muscle strains

It’s important to understand that you don’t have to be a professional athlete to sustain a sports injury or utilize sports medicine. Something as simple as a daily walk can lead to an injury, and routine exercise presents numerous opportunities for minor injuries.

When should I seek treatment for a sports injury?

Some minor sprains and strains heal on their own after a period of rest, icing, compression, and elevation. In other cases, injuries can linger or worsen if you don’t seek treatment.

Some of the signs you may need to see a specialist for a sports injury include:

  • Inability to place weight on your foot or ankle
  • Significant pain
  • Swelling that doesn’t subside
  • Bruising
  • Changes in the appearance of your foot or ankle

Your feet and ankles perform impressive tasks every day. Injuries in this area of your body can have lasting effects and can prevent you from engaging in a fit and healthy lifestyle. It’s never a bad idea to have an injury evaluated by a professional.

What are some treatments sports medicine uses?

Your sports medicine treatment plan from Landmark Foot and Ankle Center depends on your specific injury, and you receive a full diagnostic workup before determining a plan of action. In some cases, you need nothing more than a period of rest to give your body a chance to heal.

Orthotics can be a good approach for some foot and ankle injuries. These custom inserts fit inside your shoes and give your feet the right level of support while also reducing stress.

Steroid injections can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. These results are temporary but can be a great way to help you move through a period of physical therapy.

Bracing or taping is another option and can help with strains and sprains. Your practitioner can perform the initial application and show you how to complete the process on your own, at home.

In some cases, surgery is the best way to address a serious sports injury. Landmark Foot and Ankle Center offers minimally invasive surgical procedures, which often heal faster with less tissue disruption than more open surgical procedures.

If you’d like to learn more about sports medicine and treatment options, call the office to set up a visit or try the easy online booking page.