SPORTS MEDICINE

Consider sports medicine if you run marathons, hike, or enjoy other physically demanding activities. David Larson, DPM, a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon, offers sports medicine to teens and adults. Dr. Larson has years of experience diagnosing and treating various foot and ankle injuries, including sprains, turf toe, and shin splints. To make an appointment, call the office in Mesa or Phoenix, Arizona, or request an appointment online today.

What is sports medicine?

Sports medicine is subspecialty that diagnoses and treats activity-related injuries. If you suffer an injury while working out or during a competition, contact Dr. Larson immediately. The sooner you identify the underlying cause and receive treatment, the less likely you are to experience complications.

What types of injuries does sports medicine treat?

Dr. Larson uses sports medicine to treat various foot and ankle injuries, including:

• Ankle sprains
• Lisfranc injuries
• Turf toe
• Osteochondritis dissecans (bone death caused by poor circulation)
• Achilles tendon ruptures
• Shin splints

You might also benefit from sports medicine if you fall or twist your foot or ankle joint during exercise or sporting activity.

Who is at risk of experiencing a sports injury?

Anyone who’s physically active can experience a sports injury, but several factors may increase your risk. For example, teenagers are more likely to suffer sports injuries than adults, because their bodies are still growing. Other factors that increase your risk of a sports injury, include failing to warm up, living a sedentary lifestyle, and not wearing the proper safety equipment.

What happens during a sports medicine visit?

During a sports medicine visit, Dr. Larson reviews your health records and asks about your injury, including what you were doing when it happened and the symptoms you have. 

Next, he completes a physical exam. Dr. Larson looks at your foot and ankle, checking for redness, swelling, or bruising. Then, he assesses your muscle strength and range of motion. Dr. Larson also orders X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to rule out more serious problems, such as broken bones or a dislocated joint.

After diagnosing your injury, Dr. Larson makes treatment recommendations.

How are sports injuries treated?

Treatment of sports injuries depends on several things, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and your general health. Dr. Larson usually recommends conservative, non-invasive treatments, like rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). You might also benefit from custom orthotics, physical therapy, or minimally invasive procedures like corticosteroid injections.

If these treatments don’t provide lasting relief and your symptoms continue, Dr. Larson might recommend surgery. As a foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Larson regularly performs both traditional and minimally invasive orthopedic surgery.

To learn more about sports medicine, make an appointment at the practice of David Larson, DPM, today. Call the nearest office to speak with a staff member or request an appointment online today.