Sports Medicine in Sacramento, CA
We know how much your foot health can impact your athletic performance, and it is our priority to help get you off the sidelines and back in the game. Whether you are dealing with a recurring injury or an accident from the big game, Dennis Grandy, DPM is here to support you through each step of your recovery.
Common Sports-Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Below are some of the most common sports and sports-related injuries we see in our office:
- Martial Arts and Kickboxing: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, and ankle sprains. Proper stretching is vital to injury prevention, specifically a minimum of 15 minutes before beginning exercise.
- Aerobics: With 26 bones in the foot and impact forces reaching up to six times the force of gravity, proper shoes are essential when participating in aerobics. Shoes must provide shock absorption, proper cushioning, and stability.
- Team Sports: Baseball, basketball, soccer, football, field hockey, and lacrosse often lead to foot and ankle injuries. Artificial surfaces, improper footwear, and inadequate stretching are recipes for disaster.
- Running: Repetitive impact can lead to shin splints, stress fractures, heel pain, and tendon irritation, especially when training volume increases too quickly.
Customized Sports Medicine Treatment
Our customized treatment plans allow us to individualize your experience and help you achieve your specific goals. We aim to treat your symptoms while addressing the cause of your pain, and we work on establishing healthy practices to prevent future injuries. Depending on your injury, treatment may include rest and activity modification, bracing or taping, stretching and strengthening exercises, anti-inflammatory medication, footwear recommendations, and custom orthotics to correct biomechanical problems that contribute to injury.
Preventing Future Injuries
As a reminder, you should always wear sport-appropriate shoes and stretch for at least 15 minutes before playing sports. Replace athletic shoes when the cushioning wears down, increase training intensity gradually, and do not ignore pain that lingers after activity. Minor aches that are treated early are much easier to resolve than injuries that are pushed through. If you have ongoing ankle pain or flat feet that affect your performance, an evaluation can help you train with more comfort and confidence.
Explore the full list of conditions we treat or visit our podiatry services page to learn more.
Sports Medicine FAQs
What is sports podiatry?
Sports podiatry focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot and ankle injuries in athletes and active people.
What sports injuries do you treat?
We treat ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, shin splints, and other overuse and traumatic foot and ankle injuries.
When should an athlete see a podiatrist?
See a podiatrist if pain lasts more than a few days, if you cannot bear weight, if swelling or bruising develops, or if an injury keeps coming back.
How can I prevent foot and ankle injuries?
Wear sport-appropriate shoes, stretch for at least 15 minutes before activity, increase training gradually, and replace worn-out athletic shoes.
Can custom orthotics help athletes?
Yes. Custom orthotics can correct alignment issues, improve shock absorption, and reduce the risk of recurring injuries.
Do you treat young athletes?
Yes. We treat athletes of all ages, from youth sports players to adults and weekend warriors.
How soon can I return to sports after an injury?
Recovery time depends on the type and severity of the injury. Dr. Grandy will create a plan to help you return to activity safely and reduce the chance of reinjury.
Get Back in the Game
Do not let a foot or ankle injury keep you on the sidelines. Call (916) 920-0371 to schedule an appointment with our Sacramento sports podiatrist today.