Synergy Foot and Ankle
Contact (469) 678-8322

Here at Synergy Foot and Ankle, our staff has extensive experience working with athletes and treating the various foot and ankle injuries they can sustain. We’ll evaluate your situation and quickly determine the source of your pain, before working closely with you to craft a treatment plan that gets you back on your feet and sees you enjoying your favorite sports once more. We offer a wide range of treatment modalities, meaning we can address just about any issue you might bring through our doors.

If you’re interested in learning more about what sports medicine can do for you, our dedicated team is here and ready to help! Simply reach out to us and set up your consultation to get started on your journey to full recovery.

What is Sports Medicine? What Conditions Can You Treat? What Treatments Do You Offer? Sports Medicine at Synergy Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine FAQ
Close up of someone's feet, running on a treadmill

What is Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine is a medical field that deals with the treatment and prevention of sports-related illnesses and injuries. Sports medicine supplies comprehensive medical care for high-level or casual athletes, including individuals who don’t necessarily compete in sports but have an active lifestyle and a higher level of physicality.

Sports medicine addresses a wide range of injuries and other subjects, including the following:

  • Injury prevention
  • Concussion and other head injuries
  • Ankle, knee, elbow, shoulder, hamstring, foot, wrist, and other injuries
  • Illness (such as asthma or diabetes)
  • Nutrition and supplements
  • Lifestyle, including ergogenic aids
  • Strength training and conditioning
  • Performance concerns
  • “Return to play” decisions for athletes who were sick or injured
  • Surgical intervention

Sports medicine doctors may work with individuals or sports teams, specializing in non-surgical sports medicine treatments or addressing sports injuries with surgery. 

What Conditions Can You Treat?

We can address an impressive number of injuries and conditions that are related to sports, no matter how high your activity levels may be. Our staff brings an exceptionally high level of experience to the table, so there’s no issue too challenging. We’ll determine the cause of your discomfort as quickly as possible so you can get back to enjoying your full range of motion and the highest possible quality of life.

Some issues we can address with sports medicine in McKinney include:

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Achilles Tendonitis


The Achilles tendon is the thickest and largest tendon in the human body. It allows you to flex your feet and point your toes forward, playing an essential role in running, jumping, and other sports activities.

Repetitive stress injuries develop from irritation or inflammation from small stresses that repeatedly aggravate the affected tendon or overuse. Achilles tendonitis can escalate from a minor inconvenience to a significant source of pain, sometimes resulting in a complete rupture of the tendon. Athletes and those who generally lead more active lifestyles are at a higher risk of developing Achilles tendonitis.

Achilles Tendonitis

Sprains and Strains


The terms “sprain” and “strain” are often used interchangeably. However, a sprain affects ligaments, while a strain involves a muscle or tendon. Sprains frequently occur in the wrist, knee, or ankle. Strains generally affect the hamstrings, hand, and elbow.

The severity of a sprained ankle depends on whether the ligament is stretched, partially torn, or completely torn, as well as the number of ligaments involved. 

Sprained ankles result from a fall, sudden twist, or blow that forces the ankle joint out of its normal position. Ankle sprains commonly occur while playing sports, wearing inappropriate shoes, or walking or running on an uneven surface.

Sprains and Strains

Athlete’s Foot


Athlete’s Foot is a common fungal infection affecting athletes and non-athletes alike. It is highly contagious because it thrives in public areas such as showers and locker rooms. That is how the condition earned its name because athletes spend more time in these spaces.

The condition presents as red, peeling, rash-like skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet. Athlete’s Foot can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but cases are easily treated. Potential treatments include:

  • Topical anti-fungal creams
  • Oral anti-fungal medications
  • Control of moist shoe environments

Athletes Foot

Flat Feet

The condition known as flat feet, or fallen arches, results in the loss of your foot’s arch. If left untreated, flat feet can cause:

  • Significant pain
  • Swelling
  • Tendonitis
  • Early onset of arthritis

Flat Feet

Complaints with flat feet include:

  • Pain or fatigue in the arch
  • Pain in the ankle joint with walking
  • Pain on the outside of the foot
  • Increased swelling with walking

Restoring your proper biomechanical alignment as early as possible can reduce the chances of progression of the deformity or chronic pain. In terms of sports medicine in McKinney, treating flat feet is vital to your comfort when being active and participating in sports.

Breaks and Other Trauma


Broken bones are a common sports injury but can also occur without a fall, blow, or trauma. Weak spots or small cracks can develop from stress or overuse and usually occur in the feet or legs, especially when training for running or gymnastics events.

For foot and ankle trauma, it’s better to be safe now than sorry later. Proactively investigating pain in the foot and ankle can resolve issues that can turn into serious medical concerns. Untreated foot and ankle breaks and trauma can cause:

  • Worsening fractures
  • Infection of open wounds
  • Retained foreign bodies after puncture injuries
  • Chronic pain

Breaks and Other Trauma

Fungus

 Toenail fungus flourishes beneath the surface of the nail. If ignored and allowed to spread, the infection can impair your ability to work, walk, wear shoes, and participate in sports.

Your toenails are especially vulnerable to fungus around damp areas where you are walking barefoot, such as:

  • Swimming pools
  • Locker rooms
  • Showers 

These areas are warm and moist, making them an ideal environment for this fungus to grow, and large amounts of people share them. Other contributing factors include a history of athlete’s foot and excessive perspiration. Your hygiene and footwear choices can mitigate your risk for issues such as toenail fungus.

Fungus

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation affecting the plantar fascia, which runs across the bottom of your foot. This tissue helps your foot maintain its shape, arch, and overall structure.

The condition causes stabbing pain with the first step in the morning or getting up after long rest periods. The pain usually decreases with walking as the plantar fascia stretches out. Plantar fasciitis is commonly associated with ill-fitting shoes or lack of support. One of the first ways to address this issue is by correcting your footwear, especially when participating in sports.

    Treatment options include:

    • Stretching exercises
    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
    • Steroid injections
    • Custom orthotics
    • Shockwave therapy
    • PRP injections
    • Surgical intervention

    Plantar Fasciitis

    Neuromas


    Morton’s neuroma is when compression thickens the nerves in the feet. Compression creates nerve swelling resulting in permanent nerve damage and can be caused by ill-fitting footwear and genetic predisposition. Symptoms include:

    • Tingling
    • Burning
    • Numbness
    • Pain
    • A feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot

    Lifestyle changes, new footwear, or custom orthotics can help alleviate Morton’s neuroma. The condition may require surgical intervention if the problem persists or is severe.

    Neuromas

    What Treatments Do You Offer?

    At Synergy Foot and Ankle, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer the latest in foot and ankle care, including some highly advanced treatment options that aren’t available through many other practitioners. Take a look at our treatments for sports medicine in McKinney below, and set up your consultation if you’re interested in learning more.

    Custom Braces and Orthotics

    We always start out with more conservative treatment options first. Custom ankle braces and prescription orthotics can be a highly effective way to correct imbalance and alignment issues.

    Surgical Services

    If your issue has progressed, or you’ve come to us with severe ankle trauma, our board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Nam Tran is here to help you find relief with our surgical services.

    Diagnostic Imaging

    We utilize the most advanced diagonostic imaging technology available, so we can determine the source of your pain with the utmost precision and get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.

    Shockwave Therapy

    Shockwave therapy is an impressively advanced treatment that creates incredible results using pressure waves, stimulating your body’s natural regeneration process.

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    Patient Testimonials

    Dr. Tran comes highly recommended.

    Dr. Tran comes highly recommended. I had injured my foot while exercising and he was able to thoroughly pinpoint my issue and give me a plan of care to treat my foot.

    Leonard S.

    Dr. Tran listened to all of my concerns and ideas

    Dr. Tran and his staff are absolutely wonderful people. This was my first visit. His staff is so friendly and thorough. Dr. Tran listened to all of my concerns and ideas to work collaboratively to solve my problem. I have confidence in the plan he has implemented and have no doubt I'm on my way to recovery. Thank you!

    Anne K.

    As a nurse practitioner, I would recommend this practice 100%.

    Just left this office and all I can say is wow! The front desk staff is amazing. The MD took the time to discuss my case thoroughly and to provide multiple treatment options. So totally opposite of another foot Dr. that I visited previously. As a nurse practitioner, I would recommend this practice 100%.

    Tanya D.

    I drive a long distance to go to Dr. Tran and feel like it is worth the effort.

    Dr. Tran is the third podiatrist I have gone to and is by far the best. I have been blown away with how well he treats his patients. He goes way beyond expectations. The quality of care is outstanding and he sincerely cares for his patients. I drive a long distance to go to Dr. Tran and feel like it is worth the effort.

    John T.

    Just Wow! I had a great experience with the staff and Dr Tran.

    Just Wow! I had a great experience with the staff and Dr Tran. The staff was friendly and responsive to all my questions and concerns. The doctor was courteous and attentive during our consultation and tackled all my problems on the first visit. The office is clean and organized, so no issues there. I would recommend it.

    Joel G.

    Dr Tran is awsome

    Dr Tran is awsome and so is his wonderful, polite and caring team. I will visit Dr. Tran again. Dr Tran has an awsome, polite and courteous atmosphere at his office.

    Tammy K.T.

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    Find the Relief You Need at Synergy Foot and Ankle

    In addition to offering you a highly trained and widely-experienced staff, we’re also committed to the most advanced tools available. Our state-of-the-art facility is home to a number of methods by which we can help you find the foot and ankle relief you’ve been looking for.

    If you’re feeling frustrated by foot and ankle issues that are keeping you from truly living your most fulfilled life, Synergy Foot and Ankle is here to help. Our McKinney location is home to a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, where you’ll learn all there is to know about how we can take care of your problems and enable you to live a pain-free life once again. If you’re ready to start your journey, simply reach out and set up your consultation today!

    New York College of Podiatry Medicine
    American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery Inc.
    Medstar Georgetown University Hospital

    Sports Medicine FAQ

    Should I stretch before playing sports?

    Does a torn achilles tendon hurt?

    Is there anything I can do to prevent sports injuries?

    Can I walk on a sprained knee?

    When should I see a doctor for my sports injury?

    Should I stretch before playing sports?

    Absolutely. Stretching your body before playing sports or a workout is an important part of getting your body ready for intense physical activity. Stretching helps to prepare your muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints for the strenuous exercise you’re about to participate in.

    Does a torn achilles tendon hurt?

    Yes. A torn Achielles tendon will cause pain. The area may be tender, swollen, and stiff. You may hear a snapping or popping noise and experience bruising. It may also affect your ability to walk properly.

    Is there anything I can do to prevent sports injuries?

    You can help prevent sports injuries by ensuring you prepare well with proper stretching to increase flexibility and a good warm up. Be sure to cool down afterward to regulate your circulation and relax your muscles. Use proper equipment to protect your body if the sport requires it. Stay well hydrated, as hydration protects against muscle fatigue, which can lead to injury.

    Can I walk on a sprained knee?

    After spraining a knee, putting weight on it can increase pain and swelling. Rest your knee and give your ligaments, tendons and muscles time to heal. Use crutches to get around for about a week. Once the swelling starts to fade, you will likely be able to walk with the help of a knee brace.

    When should I see a doctor for my sports injury?

    If you can’t put weight on the affected leg or foot, or you can’t use the arm, shoulder, or joint as you normally would, you should see a doctor. Less severe pain or persistent, more minor pain may improve with rest, but if it doesn’t improve, make an appointment with a sports medicine physician to get it checked out.

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