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Sports Medicine for Foot & Ankle Injuries

Get Back to Doing What You Love—Stronger, Safer, and Pain-Free

At the office of Dr. Merrick L. Horn, sports medicine isn’t just about treating injuries, it’s about restoring performance. Whether you’re a competitive athlete, weekend runner, or simply living an active lifestyle, our goal is simple: help you recover fully and return with confidence.

We specialize in diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries of the foot, ankle, and lower leg, combining decades of clinical experience with advanced, non-surgical and regenerative treatments.

Common Sports Injuries We Treat

Sports injuries in the foot and ankle are extremely common due to the stress placed on ligaments, tendons, and bones during activity.

We provide targeted care for both acute injuries and chronic overuse conditions.

Ankle Sprains & Instability

  • Ligament injuries from rolling or twisting the ankle
  • Pain, swelling, instability, difficulty bearing weight
  • Focus: stabilization, rehab, and preventing re-injury

Achilles Tendonitis & Tendinosis

  • Overuse injury causing inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon
  • Common in runners and athletes with tight calf muscles
  • Symptoms often worse after rest or in the morning

Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)

  • Inflammation of the plantar fascia causing sharp heel pain
  • Most noticeable with first steps in the morning
  • One of the most common causes of foot pain

Stress Fractures

  • Small cracks in bone from repetitive impact
  • Common in runners, dancers, and high-impact athletes
  • Requires early diagnosis to prevent progression

Tendon & Ligament Injuries

  • Includes posterior tibial tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis, and ligament strains
  • Often caused by overuse, improper mechanics, or sudden increases in activity

Shin Splints

  • Pain along the shin due to repetitive stress
  • Frequently seen in runners and athletes increasing training intensity

Neuromas & Nerve Pain

  • Burning, tingling, or numbness in the forefoot
  • Often aggravated by tight footwear or repetitive pressure

Chronic Foot & Ankle Pain

  • Includes arthritis, joint inflammation, and biomechanical issues
  • Can develop when injuries are left untreated

Advanced Treatment Options

Every athlete and every injury is different. That’s why treatment is always personalized.

Conservative Care First

  • Rest, activity modification, and bracing
  • Custom orthotics for biomechanical correction
  • Physical therapy and mobility work
  • Anti-inflammatory treatments

Regenerative Sports Medicine

We offer advanced, non-surgical options designed to accelerate healing:

  • Stem cell / biologic injections to support tissue repair
  • Treatment for tendon injuries, ligament damage, and chronic inflammation

Shockwave Therapy

  • Non-invasive treatment for chronic heel pain and plantar fasciitis
  • Stimulates healing in stubborn soft tissue injuries

Laser Therapy

  • Reduces inflammation and accelerates tissue healing
  • Used for plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and soft tissue injuries

Surgical Care (When Needed)

  • Minimally invasive procedures for advanced or non-responsive cases
  • Focus on restoring function and minimizing downtime

Our Return-to-Sport Philosophy

Getting you out of pain is only step one. Getting you back to your sport safely is the real goal.

1. Accurate Diagnosis First

We identify the true root cause, not just the symptoms.

2. Restore Function, Not Just Relieve Pain

Mobility, strength, and biomechanics are all addressed.

3. Progressive Rehabilitation

You’ll follow a structured recovery plan designed to rebuild performance gradually.

4. Prevent Future Injury

We correct underlying issues like gait abnormalities, improper footwear, or training errors.

5. Return Stronger Than Before

Our goal is not just recovery, but long-term durability and performance.

Who We Treat

  • Runners and endurance athletes
  • Basketball, soccer, and tennis players
  • Fitness and gym enthusiasts
  • Active adults and “weekend warriors”
  • Anyone dealing with foot or ankle pain from activity

You don’t have to be a professional athlete to benefit from sports medicine care.

Ready to Get Back in the Game?

Foot and ankle pain doesn’t just affect your performance, it affects your daily life. The sooner you address it, the faster and more completely you can recover.

Schedule your sports medicine evaluation today and take the first step toward a stronger return.

  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Advanced regenerative therapies
  • Decades of experience treating active patients

Call (305) 949-4189 or request an appointment online.

Get back to your sport. Get back to your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my injury is serious?

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If pain persists beyond a few days, worsens with activity, or affects your ability to walk or perform, it should be evaluated.

Can I keep training with foot or ankle pain?

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In most cases, continuing to train on an injury can make it worse. Early treatment leads to faster recovery.

Do I need surgery?

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Most sports injuries can be treated without surgery. We always start with conservative and regenerative options whenever possible.

How long does recovery take?

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It depends on the condition, but early treatment significantly shortens recovery time and reduces complications.

What makes your approach different?

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We focus on function, performance, and prevention, not just temporary pain relief.

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Two people standing on a checkered floor with their feet raised off the ground, appearing to levitate, while holding hands and looking at each other.