Sports Injuries

Man with ankle injury

Sports injuries can sideline even the most dedicated athletes and active individuals, causing pain, frustration, and lost time from the activities you enjoy. Whether the injury happened suddenly during competition or developed gradually from overuse, quick, professional treatment is essential to ensure proper healing and prevent chronic problems.

At Foot & Ankle Specialists, we specialize in treating sports-related foot and ankle injuries. Our experienced podiatrists understand the unique demands athletes face and offer advanced diagnostic tools, customized treatment plans, and preventive strategies designed to keep you moving.

Common Sports Injuries We Treat

Sports injuries generally fall into two categories:

  • Acute injuries occur suddenly, often from a fall, twist, or impact during activity.
  • Overuse injuries develop gradually from repetitive stress and improper biomechanics.

Our podiatry team treats a wide range of foot and ankle sports injuries, including:

Whether your injury is the result of overtraining, improper footwear, or a single misstep, early treatment is the key to faster recovery.

Foot speed is crucial in competitive sports.

Our Two-Part Treatment Philosophy

A. Accurate Diagnosis & Immediate Relief

Our first goal is to determine the full extent of your injury and begin treatment right away. This process includes:

  • A thorough physical exam and detailed medical history
  • Immediate care options such as RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), immobilization, bracing, or MLS laser therapy to reduce pain and inflammation

B. Long-Term Recovery & Injury Prevention

Once your injury is stabilized, we focus on long-term recovery and preventing future issues. Your customized plan may include:

  • Gait analysis and biomechanical assessments to identify contributing factors
  • Athletic footwear recommendations to protect and support your feet
  • Targeted strengthening and stretching protocols to restore stability
  • Custom orthotics to correct alignment issues and redistribute pressure
  • Activity modification and return-to-play planning so you can safely resume your sport

When Advanced Care is Needed

Some sports injuries require more advanced care or surgical intervention. Signs you may need additional treatment include:

  • Persistent pain or swelling that does not improve with conservative care
  • Difficulty bearing weight or loss of stability
  • Recurrent injuries in the same area

We offer comprehensive diagnostic testing, including imaging and biomechanical evaluations, to determine the best course of action. If surgery is necessary, our foot and ankle specialists use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible and will provide a full post-operative recovery plan to get you back on your feet quickly and safely.

Why Choose Foot & Ankle Specialists

When it comes to sports injuries, not all providers offer the same level of expertise. Athletes and active patients choose Foot & Ankle Specialists because we provide:

  • A strong sports medicine focus with podiatric specialization
  • Personalized care plans designed to match each patient’s athletic goals
  • Access to advanced therapies such as MLS laser treatment and state-of-the-art orthotic technology
  • Convenient location in Mechanicsburg, PA, with flexible appointment scheduling

Our team knows how important it is to stay active and healthy. We’re committed to helping you recover quickly and return stronger than ever.

If you’re struggling with a foot or ankle sports injury, don’t wait until the pain worsens. Early treatment can reduce your recovery time and protect you from long-term damage.

Call Foot & Ankle Specialists at (717) 620-8225 today to schedule your appointment.

All in all, everyone and everything was perfect with me for me. Dr. Lauren, such a wonderful person. My visit with her have been successful and just great. I will recommend her/the practice to others. Look forward to my next visit.”

Laurie M.

The office is really beautiful and clean. Very caring staff and Dr. Clarke took time to explain things to me. The doctor and staff really tried to get to the cause of my feet and ankle pain. They found the problem and the solution. He kept me relaxed even though I was going to get injections for pain and inflammation.

I highly recommend this office. FANTASTIC!!

Rita M.

“Prompt, attentive, and knowledgeable are the three best adjectives to describe my visit. I can’t wait to start running again, and I know that will be possible from the care I’m receiving from Dr. Leonard.”

Dayna L.