Podiatric Sports Medicine in Flower Mound, TX
Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply someone who stays active, foot and ankle injuries can sideline you fast. At DFW Foot and Ankle, Dr. Davey Suh provides expert podiatric sports medicine care to help athletes and active patients throughout Flower Mound, TX recover from injuries, prevent recurrence, and perform at their best. Call (972) 899-2170 to schedule your appointment.
Foot and Ankle Sports Injuries
Your feet and ankles are the foundation of nearly every movement you make during athletic activity. They absorb the impact of running, jumping, cutting, and pivoting, and they do so thousands of times in the course of a single game, practice, or workout. It’s no wonder that foot and ankle injuries account for a significant share of all sports-related injuries across every age group and sport.
At DFW Foot and Ankle, Dr. Suh has extensive experience diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of sports-related foot and ankle conditions — from acute traumatic injuries to chronic overuse problems that develop over time.
Common Sports Injuries We Treat
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are among the most common sports injuries at every level. They occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn — usually from rolling or twisting the ankle. While mild sprains can heal with rest and conservative care, moderate and severe sprains require professional evaluation to ensure the ligaments heal properly and to prevent chronic ankle instability. Learn more about our fractures and sprains treatment.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone that develop from repetitive impact rather than a single traumatic event. They are common in runners, basketball players, and other athletes who perform high-volume impact activities. The metatarsals and navicular bone are particularly vulnerable. Stress fractures cause localized pain and tenderness that worsens with activity and may be subtle enough to be mistaken for soft tissue soreness.
Plantar Fasciitis
Athletes who run or jump frequently are at high risk for plantar fasciitis — inflammation of the plantar fascia that causes stabbing heel pain. It is especially common when athletes increase their training load too quickly, change surfaces, or wear inadequate footwear.
Achilles Tendinitis and Tears
Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon from overuse, causing pain and stiffness at the back of the heel. In severe cases, the Achilles tendon can partially or fully rupture — a serious injury requiring prompt evaluation and treatment.
Turf Toe
Turf toe is a sprain of the ligaments around the big toe joint that typically occurs when the toe is forcefully hyperextended — common in football, soccer, and basketball players. It causes pain, swelling, and limited motion in the big toe and can significantly affect push-off and running mechanics.
Sesamoiditis
The sesamoids are two small bones embedded in the tendons beneath the big toe joint. Sesamoiditis — inflammation or injury to these bones — causes pain and tenderness under the ball of the foot near the big toe. It is common in dancers, runners, and athletes who place heavy forefoot loads.
Peroneal Tendon Injuries
The peroneal tendons run along the outer side of the ankle and are vulnerable to strains, tears, and subluxation (slipping out of position) during sports that involve rapid changes of direction. Peroneal injuries cause lateral ankle pain and instability and are often confused with ankle sprains.
Treatment Approach for Sports Injuries at DFW Foot and Ankle
Dr. Suh takes a comprehensive, athlete-centered approach to sports injury treatment. His goal is not only to help you recover but to address the underlying biomechanical factors that contributed to the injury — reducing your risk of re-injury and helping you return to sport stronger than before.
Treatment options include accurate diagnosis with imaging when needed, activity modification and protected weight bearing, custom orthotics for biomechanical correction and injury prevention, MLS laser therapy to reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue healing, shock wave therapy for chronic tendon and soft tissue injuries, bracing and support, physical therapy, and surgical intervention when conservative options are insufficient.
Whether you’re trying to get back on the field, the court, or the trail, DFW Foot and Ankle is here to help. Call (972) 899-2170 or book online to see Dr. Suh in Flower Mound, TX.
Sports Medicine FAQs
How do I know if my sports injury needs professional treatment?
Seek professional evaluation if you have significant pain, swelling, or bruising, if you cannot bear weight on the injured foot or ankle, if the area feels unstable or “gives way,” if pain doesn’t improve after a few days of rest, or if the injury affects your ability to participate in your sport. Early diagnosis prevents minor injuries from becoming chronic problems.
Should I use ice or heat for a sports injury?
For acute injuries — within the first 48 to 72 hours — ice is the better choice. Ice reduces swelling and inflammation. Heat is generally more appropriate for chronic muscle soreness or stiffness once the acute phase has passed. When in doubt, use ice and elevate the injured area until you can see Dr. Suh.
Can I keep training with a foot or ankle sports injury?
It depends on the type and severity of the injury. Many sports injuries allow continued activity with modifications — such as switching to low-impact exercise while a tendon or bone heals. Others, like stress fractures, require a period of protected rest. Dr. Suh will provide clear guidance on what activities are safe during your recovery.
What custom orthotics does Dr. Suh recommend for athletes?
Dr. Suh designs custom orthotics tailored to your specific sport and foot mechanics. Athletic orthotics account for the demands of your activity — whether that’s the forefoot loading of a runner, the lateral forces of a tennis player, or the impact demands of a basketball player — and are fabricated using a 3D scan for a precise fit.
How does MLS laser therapy help with sports injuries?
MLS laser therapy reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and accelerates tissue repair at the cellular level — helping injured tendons, ligaments, and muscles heal faster. It is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment with no downtime, making it particularly valuable for athletes who need to return to activity as quickly as possible.
What is the difference between a sprain and a stress fracture?
A sprain is an injury to ligaments — the connective tissue that holds joints together. A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repetitive loading. Both can cause similar symptoms — pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight — which is why imaging is often needed to tell them apart. Treatment differs significantly, so an accurate diagnosis is essential.
How can I prevent foot and ankle sports injuries?
Key prevention strategies include wearing sport-appropriate footwear, using custom orthotics to correct biomechanical risk factors, warming up and cooling down properly, progressing training loads gradually, strengthening the foot and ankle muscles, and addressing any pain or discomfort early before it becomes a more serious injury.