Sports Medicine

• Pain after a specific twist, impact, or landing
• Pain that appears gradually with increased training
• Swelling, bruising, or tenderness over one area
• A feeling of instability or weakness
• Difficulty bearing weight or returning to your sport

• Sudden injury or direct impact
• Repetitive loading and overuse
• Rapid increases in training volume or intensity
• Footwear and playing-surface conditions
• Foot and ankle mechanics

1. We review your symptoms, activity or injury history, footwear, and medical history.
2. We examine the injured area, adjacent joints, and ankle stability along with the surrounding joints and the way you walk.
3. We use X-rays or other testing when the findings make it clinically appropriate.
4. We explain what we found and what the reasonable options are for your situation.

You will see Dr. Kayla Wright, DPM, ABFAS Board Certified, at our Tempe office. New to the practice? Review new-patient information before your visit.

Care is built around the specific diagnosis. Strength and flexibility work are commonly part of recovery and of reducing future injury risk, and return to activity is staged rather than fixed to a universal timeline.

1. Evaluation of the injury mechanism, pain location, swelling, function, and stability
2. Imaging when a fracture, tendon injury, or other structural problem is suspected
3. Protection and activity adjustment appropriate to the diagnosis
4. A structured rehabilitation program addressing motion, strength, and balance
5. Gradual, monitored return to training and competition
6. Further procedures or surgery only in selected cases

Some foot and ankle symptoms should be evaluated promptly rather than watched. Call our office if you notice:

• An injury with difficulty walking or bearing weight
• A change in the shape or appearance of the foot or ankle after a fall or twist
• Redness, warmth, drainage, or signs of infection
• An open sore or wound on the foot, especially with diabetes or circulation concerns
• New numbness, burning, or other changes in sensation
• Pain that keeps getting worse or does not improve with reasonable initial care

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. This website and its appointment tools are not monitored for emergency medical needs.

Can I keep playing through it?

That is not something a website can answer safely. Continuing activity on an undiagnosed injury can matter, particularly if a fracture or tendon injury is involved.

When can I return to my sport?

Return is based on your specific diagnosis and how your recovery is progressing, not on a fixed timeline that applies to everyone.

Does every sports injury need imaging?

No. Imaging is used when the examination suggests a fracture, tendon injury, joint injury, or another structural problem.

To be seen for sports medicine, request an appointment or call 480-831-0700. Our office is at 3231 S Country Club Way, Suite 108, in Tempe — see directions and parking.