Sports Medicine

What is sports medicine in podiatry?

Podiatry sports medicine involves evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of sports injuries in the feet and ankles. Runners, dancers, football players, soccer players, and basketball players are prone to foot and ankle injuries, but you can experience a sports injury in any sport. 

At Renew Foot & Ankle, double board-certified podiatrist Dr. Gilbertson has considerable expertise in sports injury care, making him the ideal provider to help with foot and ankle injuries.

What are the symptoms of a sports injury?

Your sports injury needs immediate care if you experience any of the following issues: 

• Sudden pain
• Inability to stand, walk, or bear weight on your foot
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Weakness
• Instability (feeling like your foot and ankle are going to fold at any moment)
  
  

Some types of injuries may start more slowly because they’re related to repetitive damage over time. Regardless of how your sports injury symptoms begin, you should always get off your feet to avoid making the problem worse. Then, contact Renew Foot & Ankle to find out whether you need immediate care.

What types of foot and ankle injuries require sports medicine?

Any foot or ankle injury may require sports medicine care at Renew Foot & Ankle. Some of the injuries that Dr. Gilbertson treats often include:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Ankle sprains
• Muscle and tendon strains
• Stress fractures
• Traumatic fractures
• Growth plate injuries in children
• Dislocations
  
  

Athletes can experience other problems that aren’t injury-related, such as athlete’s foot. They may also develop problems like ingrown toenails due to wearing snug-fitting shoes for their sport or frequent trauma to the toes.

Further, athletes may have a heightened risk of developing bunions, hammertoe, and other foot abnormalities due to their footwear, joint trauma, and excessive stress on the joints. 

What types of treatments does podiatry sports medicine include?

At Renew Foot & Ankle, Dr. Gilbertson uses a wide range of techniques to treat sports injuries in the feet and ankles. Some of the different options include:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Bracing, splinting, casting, or other immobilization techniques
• Physical therapy
• Custom orthotics
• Steroid and anesthetic injections
  
  

If you have a severe sports injury or experience chronic foot pain due to an old sports injury, Dr. Gilbertson may recommend surgery. He supports you as you decide which treatment approach is best for you. 

If you experience a sports injury, Renew Foot & Ankle is here to help. Book your appointment online or call the office today.