Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine in Pembroke Pines & Plantation
Your foot health has a direct impact on your athletic performance, and our priority is getting you off the sidelines and back in the game. Whether you are dealing with a recurring injury or something that happened during the big game, Daniel Bell, DPM - Foot & Ankle Institute supports you through every step of recovery. Daniel Bell, DPM treats athletes of all ages and skill levels, from youth players to weekend warriors and competitive runners.
Common Sports Injuries We Treat
Sports place tremendous demands on the feet and ankles. We frequently treat:
- Ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability
- Achilles tendonitis and tendon strains
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Stress fractures and other foot fractures
- Sesamoiditis and ball-of-foot pain
- Turf toe and toe injuries
- Athlete’s foot and blisters
Injuries by Sport
Martial Arts and Kickboxing
Barefoot training and explosive movements often lead to plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, and ankle sprains. Proper stretching, at a minimum of 15 minutes before exercise, is vital to injury prevention.
Aerobics and Fitness Classes
With 26 bones in each foot and impact forces that can reach several times your body weight, proper shoes are essential. Footwear should provide shock absorption, cushioning, and stability.
Team Sports
Baseball, basketball, soccer, football, field hockey, and lacrosse commonly lead to foot and ankle injuries. Artificial surfaces, improper footwear, and inadequate stretching are a recipe for trouble.
Running
Runners are prone to overuse injuries such as stress fractures, shin splints, Achilles problems, and heel pain, especially when mileage increases too quickly or shoes are worn out.
Customized Treatment & Faster Recovery
Our customized treatment plans are built around your sport, your position, and your goals. We treat your symptoms while addressing the underlying cause of your pain. Your plan may include rest and activity modification, bracing, custom orthotics, targeted rehabilitation, and advanced non-invasive therapies like shockwave therapy and RPW therapy to speed tissue healing. For severe injuries, Dr. Bell offers foot and ankle surgery.
Injury Prevention Tips
- Wear sport-specific shoes and replace them when they wear out
- Stretch for at least 15 minutes before playing
- Increase training intensity gradually
- Do not play through sharp or worsening pain
- Get ankle sprains evaluated to prevent long-term instability
We see athletes from Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Weston, and Davie. Explore all of our podiatry services.
Sports Medicine FAQs
Should I see a podiatrist for a sports injury?
Yes. Podiatrists specialize in the foot and ankle and can diagnose and treat sports injuries in these areas, including sprains, fractures, and tendon problems.
How long does a sprained ankle take to heal?
Mild sprains may heal in a few weeks, while more severe sprains can take several months. Proper rehabilitation helps prevent re-injury.
Can I keep playing with foot pain?
Playing through pain can turn a minor injury into a major one. Persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated.
Do you treat young athletes?
Yes. We treat children and teens with sports injuries and help them return to play safely.
Can orthotics improve athletic performance?
Custom orthotics can improve alignment and reduce stress on the feet and legs, which may reduce injury risk and improve comfort during sports.
What is the fastest way to recover from Achilles tendonitis?
Rest, stretching, supportive footwear, and therapies like shockwave or RPW therapy can speed recovery. Early treatment leads to better results.
How can I prevent sports injuries to my feet?
Wear proper shoes for your sport, stretch before activity, increase training gradually, and address minor pain before it worsens.
Get Back in the Game
Don’t let a foot or ankle injury keep you on the bench. Call (954) 942-5005 - Pembroke Pines Office or (954) 942-5005 - Plantation Office or request an appointment online with Dr. Bell today.