Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel N. Verville
April 23, 2018
If you’re an athlete of any kind, then you know the importance of having an overall healthy body to perform your chosen sport at your optimal level. But, regardless of your chosen sport or sports, how often have you thought of the importance of visiting a sports foot doctor? As a podiatrist in the Frisco area who has treated several athletes throughout her years of practice, Dr. Verville can tell you that visiting a sports foot doctor might be one of the most important things you can do to continue with your sport. Below are 5 reasons that athletes should visit a sports doctor.
- You Think You May Have Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that brings athletes to sports foot doctors. Common amongst athletes – especially those who walk, stand or run on hard surfaces for a long period of time – this condition develops over time as you experience small rips and tears in the foot. You can also develop plantar fasciitis by wearing shoes that don’t properly fit or support your feet, especially while playing sports. Frisco athletes who have the telltale signs of plantar fasciitis, which include pain at the bottom of their feet and swelling around their ankle or other joints that lasts for more than two weeks, are strongly urged to visit a sports foot doctor like Dr. Verville.
- You Have Suffered an Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprains can happen to anyone, but some Frisco residents who are athletic are especially prone to them. Most athletes don’t see a sports foot doctor when they have an ankle sprain because they think it is a “normal” and “common” condition. But if you’re an athlete with the following symptoms, you should see Dr. Verville right away:
- Discomfort, bruising and swelling that feels mild to moderate
- Limited range of motion of your ankle
- Difficulty putting weight on your affected foot
- You heard a popping sound at the moment the injury occurred
- You Have Heel Pain
If you’re experiencing heel pain, and some athletes do, you should reach out to sports foot doctor Dr. Verville for an official diagnosis. Many people improperly ask “Dr. Google” to self-diagnose the cause of their heel pain, and come up with an incorrect answer. Common causes of heel pain in athletically inclined patients include Achilles tendon inflammation from overuse, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis.
- You Think You’ve Damaged Your Achilles Tendon
The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body. In fact, it’s what allows us to walk! However, due to sports and other athletic activities, some Frisco patients find that they injure their Achilles tendon by overuse. In fact, an Achilles tendon injury is one of the most common sports foot injuries that require the assistance of a sports foot doctor like Dr. Verville.
- You Think You’ve Suffered a Foot Fracture
Your feet have a lot of bones in them. In fact, nearly a quarter of all of your body’s bones exist in your feet! If you’re a Frisco athlete and you accidentally drop a weight on your feet or toes, frequently walk or run on uneven surfaces, or just find that, due to your chosen sport, you put an undue amount of stress on your feet, you are more likely to develop a foot fracture. If you experience the following, you should immediately see sports foot doctor, Dr. Verville:
- Instantly feeling throbbing pain at the fracture site
- Immediately have serious swelling, bruising or blistering
- Find it difficult or impossible to walk
- Aren’t able to put weight on your injured foot
- Hear a snapping or popping sound when the injury occurs
Schedule an Appointment with Sports Foot Doctor Dr. Verville Today
If you’re an athletic Frisco area resident who is experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s time that you make your feet a priority. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Verville today by calling (214) 385-8822.
