Don't Let a Foot or Ankle Injury Sideline You
Whether you're a weekend warrior, high school athlete, or competitive professional, foot and ankle injuries can derail your performance and keep you out of the game. At North Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists, we treat athletes of all levels with one goal: safe, speedy recovery and successful return to sport.
Dr. Tu A. Dao understands sports medicine and the unique demands athletes face. We don't just treat the injury — we address the root cause and create a personalized rehabilitation plan to prevent future problems.
Common Sports Injuries We Treat
Ankle Sprains
The most common sports injury. We grade severity (I-III) and create treatment plans:
- RICE protocol guidance
- Bracing and taping
- Physical therapy referrals
- Surgery for severe cases
Fractures
Broken bones in the foot and ankle require prompt care:
- Stress fractures (overuse)
- Ankle fractures
- Metatarsal fractures
- Toe fractures
Achilles Tendon Injuries
From tendonitis to complete ruptures:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Tendonosis (chronic)
- Partial tears
- Surgical repair for ruptures
Plantar Fasciitis
Common in runners and athletes on hard surfaces:
- Stretching protocols
- Custom orthotics
- Night splints
- Shock wave therapy
Turf Toe
Sprain of the big toe joint, common in football and soccer:
- Rest and immobilization
- Stiff-soled shoes
- Taping techniques
- Surgery for severe cases
Sesamoiditis
Inflammation under the big toe joint:
- Activity modification
- Padding and orthotics
- Anti-inflammatory care
- Gradual return to sport
Ligament Injuries
Beyond ankle sprains, other ligaments can be affected:
- Midfoot sprains (Lisfranc)
- Chronic instability
- Reconstruction surgery
- Bracing for prevention
Heel Pain
Athletes frequently experience heel problems:
- Heel spurs
- Sever's disease (youth athletes)
- Fat pad contusion
- Calcaneal stress fractures
Ankle Sprain Treatment — Our Approach
Ankle sprains are so common that many athletes try to "walk it off." This is a mistake. Untreated or improperly treated sprains can lead to chronic instability, repeated injuries, and long-term arthritis.
Our comprehensive ankle sprain treatment includes:
- Accurate Diagnosis — Physical exam plus X-rays or MRI when needed to rule out fractures
- Grading the Injury — Grade I (mild), Grade II (moderate), or Grade III (severe/complete tear)
- Immediate Care Plan — RICE protocol, bracing, crutches if needed
- Rehabilitation — Physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and balance
- Return-to-Sport Protocol — Gradual progression with clear milestones
- Prevention Strategies — Taping, bracing, exercises to prevent recurrence
RICE Protocol for Immediate Care
Follow this immediately after injury, before seeing us:
Rest
Stop activity. Avoid putting weight on the injured foot.
Ice
15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours. Never apply ice directly to skin.
Compression
Elastic bandage to reduce swelling. Not too tight!
Elevation
Keep foot above heart level as much as possible.
Return-to-Sport Planning
We know athletes want to get back in the game — but returning too soon risks re-injury. Our return-to-sport protocols ensure you're truly ready:
- Pain-free movement and weight-bearing
- Full range of motion restored
- Strength at least 90% of uninjured side
- Good balance and proprioception
- Sport-specific functional testing passed
- Confidence in the injured foot/ankle
Injury Prevention for Athletes
Prevention is always better than treatment. We offer:
- Pre-season foot and ankle screenings
- Custom orthotics for biomechanical issues
- Proper footwear recommendations
- Stretching and strengthening programs
- Taping and bracing guidance
- Gait analysis and running form assessment
Why Athletes Choose Our Denton Sports Medicine Practice
- Sports Medicine Expertise — We treat athletes daily and understand sport-specific demands
- Fast Appointments — Same-day or next-day visits for acute injuries
- Advanced Diagnostics — Digital X-rays, ultrasound, MRI coordination
- Conservative First — We avoid surgery when possible, but aren't afraid to operate when needed
- Full Rehabilitation Support — Physical therapy referrals and coordination
- Insurance Accepted — Most major plans, including student athlete coverage