Sports Medicine

What is sports medicine?

Sports medicine is a medical specialty that includes all the treatments and procedures used to prevent, diagnose and treat injuries related to sports activities or which may interfere with sports or physical activities. Sports medicine is used to treat all types of athletes in all levels of participation, from casual weekend athletes to student athletes and professional athletes.

What are some of the most common sports-related injuries affecting the feet and ankles?

Sports injuries typically occur either as a result of direct impact, when coming in contact with a hard object, or indirect impact, such as twisting or bending the ankle or foot. Injuries related to repetitive impacts from jumping or running are also common. Some of the most common sports injuries affecting the feet and ankles include:

• Sprains, injuries that affect the ligaments and which may include overstretching a ligament or complete or partial tears of a ligament
• Strains, which involve injury to the tendons and muscles
• Fractures, both simple and complex
• Nerve injuries that can accompany direct and indirect impact-related injuries, causing pain, numbness and other issues, and even affecting balance
• Bruising of deep tissues
• Heel spurs, small, bony projections that form on the bottom of the foot that often develop as a result of repeated impact

How are sports injuries diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination of the foot and ankle and a review of symptoms, as well as a review of the activity that caused the injury to occur. Most injuries also require diagnostic imaging like x-ray or MRI, and some may also require nerve studies.

How does sports medicine help manage sports-related injuries?

Sports medicine specialists understand the unique pressures and strains resulting from different athletic activities. As a result, they have the experience and expertise to ensure the best and most appropriate plans of care are implemented to address these issues while restoring movement, flexibility and strength so the patient can return to the activities they love. Sports medicine can also provide guidance to help avoid injuries in the future.