Sports Medicine Specialist

What is sports medicine?

Sports medicine diagnoses, treats, and prevents exercise-related foot and ankle problems. If you regularly participate in physical activities that involve running or jumping, you’re also at risk of sprains, strains, or other injuries. 

Sports medicine can help minimize these and other issues while providing education on how to safely warm-up, cool-down, and workout.

What are some common issues that sports medicine treats?

Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist uses sports medicine to treat various foot and ankle issues, including:

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that’s especially common in children and teens. It's possible to lower your risk of developing athlete’s foot by regularly cleaning your feet, frequently changing your socks, and wearing shoes that allow your feet to breathe.

Blisters

Blisters occur due to a combination of friction and moisture. They usually affect people who exercise or play sports in ill-fitting shoes. If you develop a blister, try to stay off your feet for at least a day or two. Popping it can lead to more serious problems, including infection.

Heel pain

Heel pain occurs for various reasons, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and general wear-and-tear. It’s especially common in athletes who run or jump on hard surfaces such as joggers, track athletes, and marathoners.  

Corns and calluses

Though they’re often mentioned together, corns and calluses are two different things. Corns are small, inflamed bumps that tend to form on the toes. Calluses are large patches of dead skin that occur due to friction from your socks or shoes. 

How does sports medicine prevent foot problems?

Sports medicine prevents foot problems in two ways –– by encouraging proper form and educating you about injury prevention. 

If you’re thinking about starting a new workout regimen, make a sports medicine appointment at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist. Following a comprehensive foot and ankle exam, your provider can make recommendations that lower the risk of sports injuries and improve your physical performance. 

How can I keep my feet healthy?

If you’re a physically active individual or athlete, Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist recommends:

• Washing your feet daily
• Wearing comfortable, supportive footwear
• Easing into new types of exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight

To lower the risk of athlete’s foot or toenail fungus, it’s also important to change sweaty or wet socks several times a day. 

To learn more about sports medicine, request a consultation at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist. Call the nearest office or click the online booking tool.