Athletic Injuries

Millions of Americans suffer athletic injuries each year, with ankle sprains, fractures, and Achilles tendinitis among the most common. At Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine, on the East Side of Manhattan in New York City, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Robert Maccabee, DPM, offers complete care for athletic injuries affecting the feet and ankles. His conservative, hands-on approach ensures positive treatment outcomes and lasting relief. Call Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine today to schedule an appointment, or book online. 

Who is at risk of athletic injuries?

Athletic injuries affect people of all ages, but they’re common in those who run, play sports, or work physically strenuous jobs. 

Several factors increase your risk of athletic injuries, including leading a sedentary lifestyle, failing to warm up before exercise, and lacking proper safety equipment.

What types of athletic injuries does a podiatrist treat?

At Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine, Dr. Maccabee treats various athletic injuries, including:

• Ankle sprains
• Strained tendons and muscles
• Swollen foot muscles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon ruptures
• Foot and ankle fractures
• Bone spurs
• Plantar fasciitis

You don’t necessarily need to fall or suffer a severe injury to benefit from treatment. Dr. Maccabee regularly works with people to speed up recovery after games, races, and other athletic competitions.

How does a board-certified podiatrist diagnose athletic injuries?

Dr. Maccabee reviews your medical records and asks about your injury, including how it happened, your symptoms, and if you’ve tried at-home measures like ice or anti-inflammatory medication.

Next, he examines your foot and ankle, checking for bruising, redness, and swelling. Dr. Maccabee gently presses on the affected area and surrounding skin to identify sensitive places. 

He also assesses your muscle strength and reflexes and asks you to walk back and forth to observe your gait (the way you walk) and posture.

Most athletic injuries are diagnosed with a visual exam, but if Dr. Maccabee suspects a more serious issue, like arthritis or a fracture, he orders X-rays. 

How does a board-certified podiatrist treat athletic injuries?

Dr. Maccabee treats athletic injuries with a conservative, hands-on approach. He might suggest:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE protocol)
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Stem cell injections
• Wearing comfortable shoes that offer support
• Custom orthotics
• Immobilization with a cast or a splint
• Activity changes

If you have a severe injury, like a fracture or a ruptured Achilles tendon, Dr. Maccabee recommends minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. During surgery, he uses special tools to make surgical repairs.

Minimally invasive procedures are much quicker than traditional open surgeries. That results in reduced pain, smaller incisions, and shorter hospital stays so you can return to your favorite activities sooner. 

Call Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine today to schedule treatment for athletic injuries, or book your appointment online.