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Sports Injuries Specialist

The Foot Care Group

Board Certified Podiatrist located in Libertyville, Hinsdale & Chicago, IL

Lower extremity sports injuries are a specialty at The Foot Care Group. With locations in Hinsdale, Libertyville, and the Streeterville community of Chicago, Illinois, Steven Sharlin, DPM, provides comprehensive care for sports injuries in the feet, ankles, and legs. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help for a sports injury. Call The Foot Care Group today or book an appointment online to learn more.

Sports Injuries Q & A

What are sports injuries?

Sports injuries occur during recreational activities, such as sports or exercise. Specializing in sports medicine, Dr. Sharlin has the training and experience to treat injuries in elite athletes and weekend warriors alike.

Damage from sports injuries ranges from mild to severe. While many injuries can heal on their own with proper rest and at-home care, others require professional treatment to fully recover. 

Why should I see a professional for sports injuries?

One of the most common mistakes patients make after suffering a sports injury is not seeking professional guidance. It’s easy to ignore the repercussions of a sprained ankle or a pulled hamstring. While rest and ice and heat therapy may relieve your pain, that doesn’t mean your injury has fully healed.

Unhealed sports injuries can have a devastating effect on your overall fitness and quality of life. Without professional care, they can lead to chronic pain and swelling. It may be impossible to return to your previous level of fitness without significant intervention, such as surgery.

What are the most common sports injuries?

Sports injuries are very common in the lower extremities. If you’re regularly active or play sports, you may experience:

  • Ankle sprain
  • Pull hamstring
  • Dislocated joints
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Shin splints
  • Stress fracture
  • Knee pain

For a quick, successful recovery, call Dr. Sharlin at The Foot Care Group at the first signs of a sports injury.

What are the symptoms of sports injuries?

It can be difficult to tell when you need to seek professional care for a sports injury. Contact Dr. Sharlin right away if you experience:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Stiff joints
  • Poor range of motion
  • Redness
  • Joints that feel warm to the touch

More severe sports injuries can make bearing weight on your feet or ankles too painful to walk.

What are the treatments for sports injuries?

Dr. Sharlin provides individualized care for sports injuries. Depending on the location and severity of your injury, treatment may include:

Custom orthotics

Custom-made orthotics mold to the shape of your feet to relieve pressure points. They can help correct a poor gait, relieve foot pain, and prevent injuries from recurring. 

Physical therapy

Physical therapy uses exercises, stretches, massages, and other interventional treatments to restore function to your lower extremities after a sports injury.

Medications

Dr. Sharlin may prescribe certain medications to reduce swelling and relieve pain while you recover.

Surgery

In some cases, patients need surgery to repair sports injuries. This is especially true if you have a torn muscle or ligament, or a deformity that may hinder your ability to heal.

If you have a sports injury, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sharlin at The Foot Care Group or book an appointment online today.