Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel N. Verville
July 8, 2020
Dr. Verville understands the angst a local Frisco athlete feels when they experience a foot injury. And that angst is most often tied to the fact that they know they’ll have to take time off from a sport or activity they love. Almost every athlete who visits sports medicine podiatrist Dr. Verville asks, “When will I be able to return to playing sports?” Unfortunately, the answer to this question is rarely a simple one—or a quick one.
It’s important that athletes understand that healing cannot be rushed. Patience and following strict recovery guidelines are vital to ensure a safe and healthy return to your sport. The role of a sports medicine podiatrist like Dr. Verville is to make sure her patient does not push themselves too far or injure themselves further by returning to physical activity too quickly.
The Importance of Active Rest and Modified Fitness Routine
When a Frisco athlete is injured, it is imperative that they participate in a period of rest. This should be one of the first recommendations on any treatment plan formed by a sports medicine podiatrist. Rest works wonders on the body, and when it comes to foot injuries, rest can help stabilize and prevent further advancement of the injury.
Active Rest
After total rest, the injured athlete can participate in active rest. This simply means that the injured foot is allowed to rest while the athlete continues with a modified fitness routine. When you visit with Dr. Verville about your foot injury, she can further explain options that would work best for you based on your specific injury.
Modified Fitness Routine
There are many types of modifications that can be implemented for an athlete during their recovery period. For example, Frisco patients with a stress fracture should avoid pressure on the affected foot, but that doesn’t mean they must remain seated in order to exercise. Modified fitness routines could include:
- Swimming
- Running in deep water
- Cycling or spinning while avoiding driving pressure to the affected foot
- Modified weight training
While all of these provide good exercise, it is important that each individual athlete follows the directions of their sports medicine podiatrist to ensure they don’t do too much too soon.
What It Means to “Take It Easy”
Unfortunately, many trainers and other medical professionals make the mistake of using the term, “Take it easy” when talking to patients about their recovery period. This vague term leaves a lot open for interpretation. For a very competitive athlete, “take it easy” may mean only running 10 miles instead of 12.
When you choose Dr. Verville as your sports medicine podiatrist, she will be very clear on what she expects from you during every step of your recovery period. She will expect each injured athlete to gradually increase stress on their body. After a thorough discussion of your normal exercise or training regime, Dr. Verville will be able to layout a plan for your gradual and appropriate return back to your sport.
But don’t let the words “gradual” and “appropriate” worry you. Remember, you will still be able to participate in active rest and modified workouts to keep you in shape as you recover.
If You’ve Experienced a Sports Related Foot Injury, Call Sports Medicine Podiatrist Dr. Verville Today
Treating athletes in Frisco is one of the most rewarding aspects of Dr. Verville’s profession as a sports medicine podiatrist. She loves working with these patients to teach them how to properly care for and exercise their bodies during their recovery after a foot injury. If you have an injury and are anxious to get back to your sport, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Verville in Frisco today at (214) 385-8822 to book your initial consultation!
