If you’re an athlete or weekend warrior, sports medicine can help you avoid an injury. Additionally, if you hurt yourself during physical activity, sports medicine can ease pain and speed up your return to the court or playing field. Board certified foot and rear foot surgeon Michael Howell, DPM, provides sports medicine services for people of all ages.
To schedule your appointment at the Coldwater, Michigan office call us today.
What is sports medicine?
Sports medicine is a branch of healthcare focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing sports-related injuries. If you’re physically active in any way, you may be at risk to experience sprains, strains, and general wear-and-tear on your feet and ankles.
When left untreated, these and other issues can negatively affect your mobility and keep you from participating in the activities you love. Sports medicine provides a safe and effective treatment option for physically active people, including children, adolescents, professional athletes, and those who enjoy personal fitness.
What are some common problems that sports medicine treats?
Dr. Howell specializes in sports medicine for problems that affect the feet and ankles, including:
- Ankle sprains
- Fractures
- Tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Cartilage injuries
- Torn or strained muscles
- Heel pain
Dr. Howell also provides diagnosis and treatment of turf toe, neuromas, lisfranc injuries, and others.
What happens during a sports medicine appointment?
Dr. Howell tailors sports medicine treatment to each patients’ individual needs. If you hurt yourself while running, jumping, or playing sports, Dr. Howell physically examines your affected foot and ankle and discusses your symptoms. After gathering the necessary information, he makes recommendations to improve the pain and encourage recovery.
If you’re healthy and simply want to lower your risk of injury, Dr. Howell physically examines your feet and ankles, observes your gait and posture, and asks about your workout routine. He uses this information to make preventive recommendations.
Usually, this includes a combination of healthy lifestyle changes like stretching before and after exercise, wearing proper protective gear, as well as proper nutrition. Dr. Howell can also recommend footwear and orthotics to support your feet and ankles during physical activity.
Am I a good candidate for sports medicine?
Anyone who leads a physically active lifestyle can benefit from sports medicine, including children and teenagers who play sports, weekend warriors, and people with physically demanding jobs.
If you’re regularly active or always on your feet, participating in sports medicine treatment provides a safe and effective way to stay healthy and mobile. It can also alert you to potential problems early on, such as muscle strains or tendon injuries, before they become more serious problems.
To schedule your sports medicine appointment with Michael Howell, DPM, at his office in Coldwater, MI, call the office for a consultation today.