Sports Medicine

What You Need To Know

An accurate diagnosis early on is what keeps a minor injury from turning into a lasting one. Here’s how our team evaluates and treats sports-related injuries.

When to See a Podiatrist

Podiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat the lower leg, ankle, and foot in detail. Our providers at Integrative Foot and Ankle Centers of Washington see patients across every activity level, from dedicated competitors to kids playing school or rec league sports.

Schedule a visit if you experience: – Moderate to severe bruising or swelling – Pain or difficulty bearing weight – A feeling that the ankle may give out – Decreased range of motion – Heel pain that lingers beyond a few days – Any suspected fracture, even with manageable pain

For parents: Growing bodies carry risks adult bodies don’t, including growth plate injuries and overuse strain from year-round travel schedules. Kids often can’t clearly describe what hurts — a new limp or a change in gait is worth a visit on its own.

Conditions we treat include: – Fractures – Ankle sprains – Muscle strains and tendonitis – Plantar fasciitis – Achilles tendon injuries – Shin splints and flexor tendon injuries

Why Early Sports Injury Treatment Matters

Playing through pain rarely pays off. A minor strain left untreated often becomes a longer, harder-to-resolve issue. Evaluating an injury early gives us the best chance to build a plan that gets you back to activity safely.

Our Sports Medicine Recovery Plan

Your recovery plan is built around your specific injury and your goals.

– Managing pain and inflammation: Ice, heat, taping, shockwave therapy, and MLS Laser Therapy – Rebuilding strength and mobility: Physical therapy and active rehab – Fracture care: Treating the break first, then rehabbing the surrounding muscles and joints – Reducing re-injury risk: Identifying and correcting the underlying weakness behind the injury – Adjusting for your activity: Rehab shaped by the repeated impact of running, the lateral movement of court sports, or the contact demands of field sports – Caring for young athletes: Managing overuse strain and growth-related heel pain during demanding seasons