Foot and Ankle Injury Care for Athletes

At New York Sports Spine Pain Medicine (NYSSPM), we specialize in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle injuries commonly experienced by athletes. Our Queens-based clinic offers personalized, non-surgical solutions to help you recover swiftly and safely, enabling a return to your active lifestyle.

• Ankle Sprains: Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear, often due to sudden twisting or rolling of the foot. This injury is prevalent in sports like basketball, soccer, and trail running, leading to pain, swelling, and instability. 
• Achilles Tendonitis: This condition involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, typically resulting from overuse in activities such as running, tennis, and dance. Athletes may experience pain and stiffness along the back of the ankle, which worsens with activity. 
• Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot. Common in runners and dancers, it causes sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. 
• Stress Fractures: These are tiny cracks in the bones, often resulting from repetitive force or overuse. Sports like basketball, track and field, and gymnastics see higher incidences, with symptoms including localized pain that intensifies with weight-bearing activities. 
• Shin Splints: Also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints cause pain along the shinbone and are common among runners and dancers due to repetitive stress. Symptoms include tenderness and aching in the lower leg.

At NYSSPM, we offer a comprehensive range of non-surgical treatments tailored to address foot and ankle injuries, facilitating effective recovery and a prompt return to daily activities.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatry):

Our physiatrists specialize in restoring function and mobility through personalized rehabilitation programs. For foot and ankle injuries, this includes:

• Comprehensive Evaluations: Conducting thorough assessments to identify the specific causes of pain, such as ligament sprains, tendonitis, or stress fractures.
• Customized Exercise Plans: Developing targeted exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance joint stability, thereby supporting recovery and preventing future injuries.
• Pain Management Techniques: Utilizing modalities like heat therapy, manual therapy, and, when necessary, image-guided injections such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort.
• Assistive Devices: Recommending orthotic supports or braces to aid in proper foot alignment and reduce stress on injured tissues during healing.
  

Interventional Pain Management:

To alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, we employ advanced, minimally invasive techniques such as:

• Ultrasound-Guided Injections: Delivering precise corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections into affected areas to decrease inflammation and enhance mobility.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Utilizing the patient's own platelets to promote healing in damaged tendons and ligaments, particularly beneficial for conditions like Achilles tendonitis.
• Nerve Blocks: Temporarily disrupting specific nerve pathways to provide relief from chronic pain, aiding in rehabilitation efforts.
  

Physical Therapy:

Our licensed physical therapists develop individualized exercise programs aimed at:

• Manual Therapy: Applying hands-on techniques to mobilize joints and soft tissues, reducing pain and improving function.
• Therapeutic Modalities: Utilizing treatments such as ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation, and cryotherapy to facilitate tissue healing and pain relief.

By integrating these specialized treatments, NYSSPM is dedicated to helping patients recover from foot and ankle injuries, restoring their performance levels, and preventing future occurrences.

• Expertise in Sports Medicine: Our team has extensive experience treating athletes across various disciplines, understanding the unique demands of sports-related injuries.
• Comprehensive, Personalized Care: We provide individualized treatment plans that address your specific needs and goals, ensuring optimal recovery.
• State-of-the-Art Facility: Our Queens clinic is equipped with advanced technology to deliver the highest standard of care.
  

Don’t let a foot or ankle injury sideline you. 

Our dedicated team is here to support you on your journey back to peak performance. Request an appointment with New York Sports Spine Pain Medicine today to begin your personalized treatment plan.