If you play sports or enjoy participating in activities such as hiking, biking, or running during the week, you’re also at a higher risk of suffering a sports injury. Leon Stepensky, DPM, at Fit Feet Podiatry in Brighton Beach and East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York City, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries using conservative, effective methods. If an injury is keeping you sidelined, call or click the online booking tool to make an appointment today.
A sports injury is an injury that occurs while exercising or playing sports. Your feet and ankles feature a complex network of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones. These structures are incredibly durable and can withstand significant wear-and-tear, but they aren’t invincible. Overuse injuries, as well as poor form, may lead to tendonitis, a stress fracture, or other more serious problems.
At Fit Feet Podiatry, Dr. Stepensky treats a wide variety of sports injuries that affect the feet and ankles, including:
He also diagnoses and treats muscle strains, as well as fractures that occur due to sudden impact or overuse.
If you injure yourself while playing sports, it’s important to stop what you’re doing right away. To address minor problems–such as a sprained ankle or bruised knee–you may benefit from ice, rest, and elevation or by taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory.
If your symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, or they get worse and negatively interfere with your ability to perform routine activities, it’s important to seek professional help. Left untreated, a sports injury can lead to more serious problems and even immobility.
To diagnose sports injuries, Dr. Stepensky, at Fit Feet Podiatry, reviews your medical history, asks you questions about the source of your injury, and physically examines your foot, leg, and ankle. If your injury isn’t obvious, he might also recommend a series of X-rays or other imaging to get a closer look at the supporting structures of your feet. After gathering all of this information, Dr. Stepensky pinpoints the source of your discomfort and develops a custom treatment plan.
Treatment for sports injuries depends on the nature and severity of your discomfort and its impact on your quality of life. However, whenever possible, Dr. Stepensky recommends conservative measures of care, such as physical therapy, at-home exercises, and custom orthotics. If these methods of treatment don’t provide significant relief, he might recommend minimally invasive surgery.
Whatever the case, it’s important that you’re patient and follow Dr. Stepensky’s recovery instructions carefully. Returning to the court or playing field too quickly may lead to further damage and more serious problems.
To access comprehensive care for sports injuries, make an appointment at Fit Feet Podiatry. Simply call the office nearest you or click the online booking tool.