Sports Medicine Specialist

What is sports medicine?

Sports medicine is a branch of health care focused on diagnosing and treating problems that affect athletes and other physically active people. Sports medicine specialists, like the caring team at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle, help patients recover from injuries, prevent injuries, and improve their overall health and wellness. 

What are some common sports injuries?

There are a variety of different sports-related injuries. Some of the most common problems the team at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle treat include:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Muscle injuries
• Ligament injuries
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tendon injuries
• Shin splints
• Turf toe
• Bone spurs

You might also benefit from sports medicine if you suffer from foot or ankle trauma caused by a fracture or crush injury. 

When should I make an appointment with a sports medicine specialist?

If you suffer a serious injury while playing sports or exercising, you may need to seek treatment at an emergency room instead of at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle. Signs of a serious injury include severe pain, swelling, or the inability to put weight on your affected foot or ankle. But, after emergency treatment, visit the practice for additional care to make sure you heal correctly and can return to activities. 

If you’re only experiencing minor or moderate pain or irritation, go ahead and make an appointment at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle. 

How are sports injuries diagnosed?

To diagnose a sports injury, your North Central Texas Foot & Ankle provider does a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about the symptoms you’re experiencing. If these efforts don’t provide adequate information, they might recommend diagnostic imaging using MRI, digital X-rays, or a CT scan. After pinpointing the source of your discomfort, your doctor develops a treatment plan that aligns with your individual needs.

How are sports injuries treated?

Whenever possible, the team at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle recommends conservative, noninvasive methods of sports medicine treatment such as physical therapy, rest, and over-the-counter pain medications. You might also benefit from regenerative medicine treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or stem cell injections. For more serious injuries, your doctor might recommend custom orthotics or bracing.

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary. The team at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle are board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and have years of experience working in sports medicine. 

If you’re tired of being unable to participate in your favorite activities, sports medicine treatment can help. Make an appointment at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle by calling the office nearest you or by clicking the online booking tool.