Ralph J. Napolitano Jr., DPM, CWSP, FACFAS
Podiatrist & Wound Care Specialist
Podiatric Sports Medicine
What is podiatric sports medicine, and what are my treatment options?
Healthy feet are an essential part of healthy living.
At OrthoNeuro here in Columbus, Ohio, our podiatric and sports medicine specialists can help you foster that active lifestyle no matter what level of sporting activities you participate in.
Our experts diagnose and treat a wide range of sports-related foot and ankle issues, including:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the connective tissue (plantar fascia) on the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed from overuse.
It causes sharp, shooting heel pain that is typically worse first thing in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is another inflammatory overuse injury.
You can develop tendinitis in your feet or ankles, including your Achilles tendon, the thick band of tissue that connects your calf to your foot.
Tendinitis usually causes intermittent pain that is generally worse after a period of rest or first thing in the morning.
Your pain may subside as you continue moving but then intensify again if you stay on your feet for too long. However, some patients have a continuous dull ache or notice visible swelling.
Tendinitis increases your risk of other tendon injuries, including ruptured or torn tendons.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma occurs when repetitive strain causes your nerve fibers to thicken, usually between your third and fourth toes.
It causes burning pain in the ball of your foot, or you might feel like you’re standing on a pebble. Your discomfort usually worsens with activity. You might also have numbness in your toes.
Acute Injuries
Participating in sports increases the stress and force on your feet and ankles.
Running, jumping, rapid direction changes, and colliding with other players and equipment increase your risk of sprains and broken bones, including stress fractures.
Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports-related injuries.
When Should I See a Podiatrist for Sports Medicine Services?
Many patients seek foot and ankle care when they have chronic pain or an acute injury requiring expert diagnosis and treatment.
Our podiatrist and foot and ankle experts can certainly diagnose sports-related foot and ankle injuries and provide state-of-the-art personalized treatments to help you recover and get back to your sport.
- However, our doctors can also help prevent sports injuries. You can make an appointment before you begin a new exercise regimen or join a sports team.
We offer exams to identify any structural or biomechanical abnormalities, such as flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal gait, which could increase your risk of foot and ankle problems.
In addition to exams, we also offer:
Gait Analysis
During a gait analysis, we analyze how your feet and ankles move while you walk and run.
More specifically, we can evaluate your:
- Foot placement
- Heel strike
- Arm swing
- Hip, knee, and foot mechanics
- Shoe wear
- Strength and flexibility
- Arm swing
Our analysis helps us identify abnormalities in the way you move. This allows us to recommend physical therapy, orthotic shoe inserts, or other therapies to correct your gait.
In addition to lowering your risk of injury, gait improvements can also improve your speed and stamina.
Athletic Shoe Consulting
Our experts can also recommend the best running shoes, cross trainers, or other athletic shoes to support your feet and ankles while participating in sports.
We may recommend a different brand or style of athletic shoe after your gait analysis.
For example, if you overpronate, you might benefit from a stability shoe or a motion control shoe if your overpronation is severe.
Call OrthoNeuro today or make an appointment online if you’re looking for expert sports medicine services for foot and ankle issues.
Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Specialist Today!
If you have been suffering the symptoms of foot or ankle pain, schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists at one of our 7 convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus.
Best of all, most patients can be seen within 24 hours of making an appointment.
Related Services
Foot & Ankle
- Foot & Ankle Arthritis
- Foot Stress Fracture
- Ankle Fracture
- Ankle Sprain
- Heel Spur
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
- Bunions
- Peroneal Tendonitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bunionectomy
- Flat Feet Treatments
- Ankle Arthroscopy
- Total Ankle Replacement
- Foot Surgery
- Lapidus Bunionectomy
Podiatry
Podiatrist and Wound Care Specialist
IF YOU HAVE AN ACUTE INJURY OR LIVE WITH CHRONIC FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN IN CALL ORTHONEURO TODAY OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE FOR EXPERT FOOT AND ANKLE CARE IN COLUMBUS, OHIO.
““Very nice staff. They got me in and out quickly, had to get surgery, and they made sure that was all set up and aftercare was clear.“
Dena T.
Patient
