As a student-athlete, sports are critically important to you. You may enjoy your time on the court, field, course, or track, have teammates depending on you, and even have scholarship opportunities on the line.
You don't want a foot or ankle injury to keep you out of the game.
Dr. Amanda and Dr. Drew understand how frustrating and stressful it is to be sidelined by a sports injury. We've suffered these injuries before and are dedicated to helping our student-athletes recover as quickly as possible.
Types of Sports Injuries We Treat
We treat a wide variety of sports injuries, including the following:
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone caused by repetitive stress on the same area of the bone. This type of injury is common in sports such as running, basketball, track and field, and gymnastics. Stress fractures can keep athletes out of the game, but treatment is available.
Ankle Sprains
A sprained ankle occurs when the ankle is twisted or turned in an awkward position, causing damage to the ligaments that support the ankle. This type of injury is common in sports such as basketball, soccer, and football. Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe, and the recovery time can vary from a few days to several weeks.
Turf Toe
Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe joint that is usually caused by repetitive motion and commonly occurs on artificial turf. This type of injury is common in sports such as football and soccer.
Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries occur when athletes push themselves too hard, too fast, and too often. These injuries include stress fractures, tendonitis, and other foot and ankle injuries. Overuse injuries are common in sports such as distance running, soccer, and tennis.
Sesmoiditis
Sesmoiditis is an overuse injury that occurs when the tendons and bones in the ball of the foot become inflamed. This type of injury is common in sports such as running, dancing, and gymnastics.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is a type of overuse injury that occurs when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed. This type of injury is common in sports such as basketball, soccer, and running.
Lisfranc Injuries
Lisfranc injuries are midfoot injuries that occur when the midfoot bones are broken or the midfoot ligaments are torn. An accurate diagnosis is necessary to make sure the injury is treated properly.
Severs Disease
Severs disease is a rare heel injury that occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed. This type of injury is common in young athletes who are still growing.
State-of-the-Art Treatment Options for Student Athletes
Our experienced North Florida podiatrists use regenerative medicine to treat sports injuries safely. Regenerative medicine aims to restore or replace damaged cells using advanced techniques. The goal is to harness the body's natural healing mechanisms to promote regeneration and repair. For example, we may suggest the following treatments for injured student-athletes:
- MLS Laser Therapy. MLS laser therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that uses a specific type of laser to treat foot injuries in student-athletes. The Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser emits two synchronized wavelengths of light that work together to stimulate cellular activity and promote tissue regeneration. This dual-wavelength laser therapy effectively reduces pain, inflammation, and swelling associated with chronic foot conditions, such as Achilles tendonitis and sprains. MLS laser therapy is safe, non-invasive, and has been shown to accelerate healing and improve recovery times in student-athletes.
- Platelet Rich Plasma. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a medical treatment that uses a patient's own blood to promote healing of foot injuries of student-athletes. The process involves collecting a small sample of the patient's blood and using a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors. The concentrated PRP is then injected into the injured area to stimulate the body's stem cells and natural healing process. PRP therapy is a minimally invasive and safe treatment option for student-athletes with foot injuries.
- Radial Pulse Therapy. Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) is a non-invasive and safe treatment option for student-athletes with foot injuries. It works by sending mechanical pressure waves through the legs and into deeper tissues, stimulating blood flow and promoting natural healing. By improving blood supply to the injured area, RPT can accelerate healing, reduce pain, and improve function in student-athletes with foot injuries.
We can also help you prevent further injuries by fitting you for custom orthotics or a custom ankle or foot brace.
Contact a St. John's County Foot and Ankle Sports Medicine Doctor Today
Let's work together to get you back in the game. If you have foot pain, contact a St. Johns County podiatrist at North Florida Foot and Ankle Center for an evaluation to find out if you've suffered a sports injury and what treatments are available. Complete our online contact form today or call us at 904-236-5023 to schedule an appointment.