Sports Injuries Specialist

Lake Pointe Foot & Ankle

Martin V Sloan, MS, DPM

Podiatrist located in Rockwall, TX & Abilene, TX

Exercise is good for your health but also increases your risk of sports injuries. Though sports injuries may affect any part of your body, your feet and ankles are especially at risk due to the amount of stress and strain they endure during physical activity. Martin Sloan, MS, DPM, FACFAS, at Lake Pointe Foot & Ankle in Abilene, near Dyess Air Force Base, and Rockwall, Texas, is an experienced podiatrist who specializes in sports medicine for foot and ankle injuries. To schedule an evaluation, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.

Sports Injuries Q&A

What are common sports injuries?

Athletes and people who engage in regular physical activity are at a greater risk of developing a foot or ankle injury. Common sports injuries that affect the foot or ankle include:

Ankle sprain
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Fractures
Stress fractures
Dislocations
Contusions
Bursitis
Plantar fasciitis
Peroneal tendonitis
Chronic ankle instability
Heel pain
Injury to the sesamoid bones (bones at the ball of the foot)

You may be at risk of developing a sports injury from overuse or intense pressure on your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Overtraining, repetitive movements, and poor footwear may also lead to a sports-related foot or ankle injury.

Ankle and foot injuries may also develop from an acute injury, such as a poorly landed jump.

How are sports injuries diagnosed?

When you visit Lake Pointe Foot & Ankle for a sports injury, Dr. Sloan conducts an in-depth history and physical to diagnose your sports injury and develop the most effective treatment plan.

During your evaluation, Dr. Sloan asks detailed questions about your injury, including when and how it happened, the types of symptoms you feel, and the activities that worsen or alleviate your discomfort. He also asks about your usual workout routine and the types of footwear you wear.

He then evaluates your feet and ankles and runs in-house X-rays or ultrasound testing to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

Dr. Sloan also has training in biomechanics and may assess your gait to look for signs of misalignment or overpronation. Problems with your gait may make you more susceptible to injury and pain conditions, such as ankle or knee pain.

How are sports injuries treated?

Treatment for sports injuries at Lake Pointe Foot & Ankle is individualized based on diagnosis, symptoms, and usual activity. Your treatment plan may include:

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation
Strapping or taping to reduce strain
Activity modification
Bracing or splinting
Physical therapy
Stretching exercises
Footwear recommendations
Cortisone injections
Custom-made orthotics

Though Dr. Sloan typically takes a conservative approach to care, he’s also a skilled surgeon. When needed, he may recommend surgical intervention for your sports injury.

Your treatment plan also includes exercises and orthotics that improve your athletic performance and reduce your risk of reinjury.

For expert care for your foot or ankle sports injury, call Lake Pointe Foot & Ankle, or request an appointment using the online booking tool.

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