Sports Medicine

Sports medicine can speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of complications if you suffer a sports or other activity-related injury. At Crossroads Podiatry in Newnan, Georgia, experienced podiatrist Everett J. Mason III, DPM, uses sports medicine to treat injuries affecting the feet and ankles. Dr. Mason can help you return to the court or playing field and maximize your performance. Call the office to request a sports medicine consultation today, or book an appointment online.

What is sports medicine?

Sports medicine is a medical subspecialty that diagnoses and treats sports injuries.

At Crossroads Podiatry, Dr. Mason uses sports medicine to manage foot and ankle injuries in people of all ages. If you hurt yourself while running or playing sports, contact the practice right away.

What types of injuries do sports medicine podiatrists treat?

At Crossroads Podiatry, Dr. Mason uses sports medicine to treat traumatic and overuse injuries, including:

• Ligament sprains and ruptures
• Muscle strains
• Tendon strains and ruptures
• Tendonitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel spurs
• Stress fractures
• Bruises
• Blisters
• Turf toe
• Corns and calluses

Sports medicine also provides treatment for foot problems that aren’t injuries, including athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. If you play sports or regularly workout, you’re more likely to develop these infections.

When should I visit a sports medicine podiatrist?

Make an appointment at Crossroads Podiatry if you have foot or ankle pain and it doesn’t improve with at-home treatments, like ice and rest. That’s particularly true if the pain occurs alongside swelling and bruising or you have difficulty putting weight on your affected limb.

Many athletes don’t seek treatment until they experience severe pain or mobility problems. Don’t make that mistake. It’s better to see Dr. Mason before either issue occurs.

What happens during a sports medicine consultation?

Dr. Mason reviews your health charts and asks about your injury, including what you were doing when it occurred, what it feels like, and if you’ve tried any at-home treatments.

Next, he completes a podiatry exam, checking your lower leg, foot, and ankle for swelling and bruising or visible abnormalities. Dr. Mason tests your flexibility, muscle strength, reflexes, and range of motion. Then, he orders X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to get a closer look at your bones, joints, and soft tissues.

After confirming your diagnosis, Dr. Mason makes personalized treatment recommendations.

What does sports medicine podiatry involve?

At Crossroads Podiatry, Dr. Mason offers minimally invasive treatments so you can quickly return to your favorite activities. He might recommend:

• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine
• Immobilization, with a cast or a splint
• Physical therapy (e.g., stretches and strengthening exercises)
• Corticosteroid injections
• Restorative cell therapy injections
• Custom orthotics

If your symptoms continue or worsen, Dr. Mason might recommend minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery.

Call Crossroads Podiatry to learn more about sports medicine today, or book an appointment online.