Sports Medicine Specialist

What is sports medicine?

Sports medicine is a multifaceted field focused on injuries caused by playing sports or participating in other physical activities. It involves aspects of physical therapy, athletic training, and physician care to diagnose and treat injuries suffered by athletes and other active people. 

As an athlete herself, Dr. Perez understands every athlete’s need to return to their sport, and she’s committed to helping her patients experiencing foot and ankle injuries get back on the field or court as quickly and safely as possible. 

What are common types of sports injuries?

Sports injuries can occur in a flash, while you or your child is at practice, competing in a game, or performing some other physical activity. Conversely, a sports injury might be a chronic impairment that develops over time and begins to interfere with your performance.

Sports injuries Dr. Perez treats at Flex Foot and Ankle include:

• Sprains
• Tendinitis
• Tendon ruptures
• Osteochondral lesions
• Ankle impingement

In addition to her expertise in restoring function to injured patients, Dr. Perez can also discuss prevention methods and rehabilitation with you.

Whether you’re seeking relief from foot and ankle discomfort due to injury or frequent activity or you have an interest in discussing physical therapy to prevent future injury, she takes the time to develop a treatment plan with you. 

How is a sports injury treated? 

When you visit Flex Foot and Ankle, Dr. Perez typically evaluates your gait and biomechanics to assess how your foot functions and affects your other limbs when you walk. 

She takes X-rays to determine the best way to treat your sports injury. Beginning with a conservative approach, Dr. Perez forms a treatment plan that may include taking anti-inflammatory medication, icing the affected area, or using a cast or brace to immobilize the foot or ankle. 

She may also suggest custom orthotics, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, taping, or physical therapy to address the injury and accelerate the healing process.

In more severe cases, she may discuss surgical procedures that can fix torn tissue or realign bones that have shifted due to overuse or impact. 

If you or your child suffers an injury related to sports, you should see a sports medicine specialist, such as Dr. Perez. As a former NCAA Division I athlete, she consistently Involves herself in research and education to ensure proper care and enhanced performance for athletes.

For the best in sports medicine, call Flex Foot and Ankle in Midtown Manhattan or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment with Dr. Perez today.