Your feet and ankles are intricate anatomical systems comprised of numerous bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Running or playing soccer, football, basketball, tennis, and other high-impact sports significantly strain these complex structures, increasing your risk for athletic injuries.
Don’t let a sports injury disrupt your athletic goals and leave you sitting on the sidelines.
At Foot & Ankle Alliance, our podiatric sports medicine specialist, Dr. Dana Brems, DPM, provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for sports-related foot and ankle conditions.
Here’s what you should know about sports podiatry, including common athletic injuries, treatment options, and what our talented and highly-trained sports podiatrist can do to help you recover and return to the active sports and lifestyle you love.
Sports Injuries: Common Causes and Risk Factors
Overuse and improper training practices are leading causes of sports injuries to the feet and ankles. You can reduce your risk of injury by taking the time to warm up and cool down before and after high-impact activities and choosing well-fitting, supportive athletic shoes that are appropriate for the sport. When changing your exercise or training routine, avoid increasing the intensity or duration of activity too quickly, as it can make you more susceptible to sports injuries.
Structural abnormalities, such as flat feet or high arches, can also cause athletic injuries due to the excessive strain they place on other parts of the feet and ankles.
Sports Podiatrists Specialize in Treating Patients With Athletic Foot and Ankle Issues
Sports podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, or DPMs, trained to diagnose, treat, and help patients prevent foot and ankle conditions resulting from sports or athletic activities. Examples of common sports injuries we address at our Woodland Hills office include:
- Strains and sprains
- Stress fractures and broken bones
- Heel spurs
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shin splints
- Turf toe
- Morton’s neuroma
- Arthritis-related inflammation (aggravated by high-impact activities)
Treatment options range from conservative methods like rest and activity modification to advanced shockwave or laser therapies and the latest surgical procedures. Our sports podiatrist can also prescribe medication to eliminate infections, manage pain and inflammation, and treat skin diseases affecting the feet or ankles. Additional interventions include cortisone injections or custom orthotics, which fit in your shoes to relieve painful pressure and provide precise support and cushioning.
Get Routine Care From a Podiatrist Familiar With Your Medical History and Athletic Goals
Foot & Ankle Alliance provides complete care for the entire family. Our office is attached to a state-of-the-art boutique ambulatory surgical center with cutting-edge technology, including standing CT and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to promote rapid healing. Once you’re a sports injury patient, there’s no need to go elsewhere for regular care. Our sports podiatry specialist also offers routine care for various foot and ankle conditions not necessarily caused by an athletic injury, such as:
- Bunions
- Ingrown toenails
- Calluses
- Blisters
- Warts
- Corns
- Nail infections
- Flat feet
- Dry, cracked skin
- Hammer toes
- Ligament pain
What to Expect During a Sports Podiatry Consultation
When you come in for an appointment, Dr. Brems will examine your feet, discuss your symptoms and medical history, and help you explore your treatment options to determine which approach best meets your needs and goals. We’re committed to getting you back on your feet – and back in the game – as quickly and safely as possible.
Schedule an Appointment
At Foot & Ankle Alliance, our sports podiatry team has extensive experience treating foot and ankle issues, even those unrelated to athletics. Don’t put off the exceptional care your feet need to thrive. Complete the contact form or call our office to schedule an appointment with our specialist. Discover why we’re the top choice for top-notch sports podiatry care in the San Fernando Valley.