Sports Medicine Specialist

What’s sports medicine?

Sports medicine is a specialty that treats sports-related injuries and develops preventive treatment plans. Many sports-related health issues involve the feet, ankles, and lower leg. This includes both treatment and recovery from injuries as well as strategies for physical support, such as leg and foot wraps to assist injury-free performance.

What are some of the common sports injuries that Dr. Shabazz treats?

Since 25% of sports injuries are foot and ankle related, Dr. Shabazz regularly treats:

• Achilles tendonitis: An inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the body, which is most often damaged due to overuse or degeneration with age.
• Plantar fasciitis: Often caused by the strain of running, damage to the fascia tissue of the foot frequently shows itself as heel pain.
• Ankle sprains: Perhaps the most common sports-related foot problem, sprains come from twisting of the foot. Twisting the foot inward is most common, while outward twists tend to be more serious.
• Heel spurs: Calcium deposits from the heel bone develop into bony protrusions. Heel spurs may cause extreme pain in the rear of the foot.
• Neuroma: A pinched nerve condition in the foot, neuroma may cause pain in the ball of the foot, or it may create tingling and numbing sensations. The most common symptom is pain between the toes while walking.
• Stress fractures: Common to running, basketball, tennis, and gymnastics, stress fractures usually occur because of repeated impact.  

How does sports medicine help you stay healthy?

Dr. Shabazz considers the preventive aspects of sports activities, such developing strengthening routines, discussing proper footwear for specific sports, as well as diet and exercise counseling. Catching potential injuries early prevents more severe injury, so education is also part of his treatment. He’ll help you know what to watch for and may discuss “between game” protocols for self-treatment.