Abshan Malik, DPM, AACFASFellowship-Trained Foot and Ankle Surgeon
SPORTS INJURY AND ANKLE CARE
Specialist-Led Sports Injury and Ankle Care
Abshan Malik, DPM, AACFAS
Fellowship-Trained Foot and Ankle Surgeon
He evaluates ankle sprains, recurring instability, tendon injuries, fractures, stress injuries, overuse pain, and other sports-related foot and ankle concerns. He considers injury severity, stability, strength, range of motion, gait, activity demands, footwear, and return-to-activity goals when developing a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific injury and recovery needs.
A clear diagnosis comes firstNot every sports injury is an ankle sprain.
SPORTS INJURY CARE IN KNOXVILLE
When Movement Suddenly Hurts
An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, often from twisting, rolling, landing awkwardly, or changing direction quickly.
Sprains range from mild to severe, and repeated sprains may lead to chronic ankle instability over time. Not every sports injury is a sprain, so an accurate diagnosis comes first.
GOOGLE REVIEWS
Trusted Foot and Ankle Care in Knoxville
See what patients say about their experience at Knox Foot and Ankle.
4.7★★★★★172+ Google reviews
★★★★★
“I had a great experience with this foot doctor for my ankle problem. Dr. Malik was very professional, explained everything clearly, and helped my ankle heal quickly.”
★★★★★
“Dr. Abshan Malik took excellent care of me and my family, with our medical needs with exceptional expertise. We are truly blessed to have him serving the Knoxville community.”
★★★★★
“Dr. Malik and Ms. Melanie were fantastic. I was extremely anxious prior to arriving to the office but they made me feel so comfortable.”
Fellowship-Trained SurgeonAdvanced Foot and Ankle CareIndividual Treatment PlanningSame-Day Appointments May Be Available
COMMON SPORTS-RELATED FOOT AND ANKLE INJURIES
Conditions We Regularly Treat
From acute trauma to overuseEight common injury groups, one individualized evaluation.
01
Ankle Sprains and Chronic Instability
Stretched or torn ligaments from twisting or rolling the ankle, and the recurring feeling of the ankle giving way.
02
Foot and Ankle Fractures
Breaks from falls, collisions, or direct trauma.
03
Stress Fractures and Overuse Injuries
Stress fractures, tendonitis, shin splints, and metatarsal pain from repetitive impact or sudden training increases.
04
Achilles and Other Tendon Injuries
Achilles tendon pain or tearing, and peroneal tendon injuries along the outer ankle.
05
Ligament Injuries
Sprains and partial or complete ligament tears, plus muscle and tendon strains.
06
Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
Heel pain common in runners and active adults.
07
Forefoot and Toe Injuries
Turf toe, sesamoid pain, metatarsal pain, and toenail injuries from running or repetitive impact.
08
Sports-Related Pressure and Footwear Concerns
Blisters, calluses, and pressure injuries from friction or footwear.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF AN ANKLE SPRAIN
Ankle Sprain Symptoms and When to Seek Care
Symptoms can overlap with fractures, tendon injuries, or cartilage injuries, which is part of why evaluation matters.
Common symptoms
Pain on the outside or inside of the ankle
Swelling, bruising, and tenderness
Difficulty walking or pain when bearing weight
Stiffness
A feeling of instability or wobbliness
A popping sensation at the time of injury
Repeated rolling of the ankle
Ongoing weakness after the injury
Consider scheduling an appointment if you're experiencing
Inability to bear weight
Severe swelling or bruising
Pain that doesn't improve after a few days
Repeated ankle sprains
A feeling like the ankle gives out
Pain following a sports injury
Suspected fracture
Numbness, tingling, or burning
Visible deformity
An open wound
Pain that returns when you resume activity
Diabetic foot concerns or poor circulation
DIAGNOSING SPORTS INJURIES AND ANKLE SPRAINS
A Thorough Sports Injury Evaluation
Accurate diagnosis matters because ankle injuries can range widely in severity. Severe or persistent symptoms may need further imaging or specialist evaluation. Our evaluation typically includes:
01History
Review of your injury history and symptoms
02Exam
A thorough foot and ankle exam
03Signs
Checking swelling, bruising, tenderness, and stability
04Movement
Range of motion and strength testing
05Gait
Gait and activity evaluation, when appropriate
06Imaging
Digital X-rays or imaging, when needed
07Differentiate
Evaluation for fracture, tendon injury, ligament injury, cartilage injury, or instability
08Your goals
Discussion of your sport, activity level, footwear, and goals
ANKLE SPRAIN TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment and Support for Sports Injuries
Depending on the severity of your injury and your activity, treatment may include:
Your plan follows your injury and healing progress; no exact recovery timeline is guaranteed. Support may help reduce strain, improve mechanics, and protect the injury while it heals.Learn About Custom Orthotics →
01
Activity Modification and Swelling Management
Rest and activity modification · Ice and swelling control guidance · Compression and elevation, when appropriate
02
Bracing or Immobilization
Bracing or ankle support · Immobilization with a boot or splint, when needed · Protective devices during healing
03
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy referral, when appropriate · Rehabilitation tailored to the injury and recovery stage
04
Strength and Balance Training
Strength and balance rehabilitation · Exercises to address stability and movement
05
Orthotics and Footwear Support
Custom orthotics · Shoe recommendations · Activity-specific footwear and inserts for pressure relief
06
Gradual Return-to-Activity Planning
Gradual return-to-activity planning · Progression based on your specific injury and healing
CHRONIC ANKLE INSTABILITY
When the Ankle Keeps Giving Out
Recurring sprains or weakness after an injury can make the ankle feel unreliable during sport, on uneven ground, or on stairs.
A specialist evaluation is appropriate when giving way or balance problems persist, to identify the cause and guide care.
Recurring ankle sprains→Weakness or giving way→Balance and stability problems
SPORTS FOOT PAIN AND OVERUSE INJURIES
Other Common Sports-Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Not all sports-related pain comes from a single injury. Here is how we group what we commonly evaluate.
REPETITIVE LOAD
Overuse Injuries
Heel pain from running or standing
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendon pain
Forefoot pain and tendonitis
Pain from sudden increases in training
Shoe-related pressure injuries
Early evaluation can help prevent a small, manageable problem from becoming something more limiting.
BONE and IMPACT
Fractures and Stress Fractures
Acute fractures from falls, twists, collisions, or direct trauma
Stress fractures from repetitive impact or overuse
Swelling, pinpoint pain, and difficulty walking
Imaging is often needed to confirm a diagnosis
Treatment may involve immobilization, protected weight-bearing, activity modification, or surgery when appropriate.
STABILITY and MOTION
Tendon and Ligament Injuries
Achilles tendon injuries
Peroneal tendon injuries
Posterior tibial tendon problems, when relevant
Ligament sprains
Tendon tears, when appropriate
These injuries affect stability, strength, and movement, and rushing recovery can increase the risk of re-injury.
Progress with purposeHealing · Strength · Balance · Sport demands
RETURN-TO-ACTIVITY PLANNING
A Safe Path Back to What You Enjoy
How quickly you can return to sport depends on your diagnosis, healing progress, strength, balance, pain level, and the demands of your activity. Most patients benefit from a gradual progression rather than an abrupt return.
Returning too quickly can increase the risk of repeat injury. We're not able to promise an exact recovery or return-to-play timeline, since this varies by individual.
HEALREBUILDRETURN
SPORTS INJURY CARE FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
Supporting Young Athletes
Children and teens can experience ankle sprains, heel pain, growth plate injuries, and stress injuries. If your child's pain is changing how they walk or play, it's worth having it evaluated. Treatment plans account for growth, sport demands, and safe activity progression.
GrowthSport demandsSafe progression
Care that respects growing feetComfort and safe movement guide the plan.
WHEN SURGERY MAY BE CONSIDERED
Surgery as a Later Option, Not a First Step
Most sports injuries do not automatically require surgery. It may be considered for severe fractures, tendon tears, chronic ankle instability, cartilage injuries, deformity, or injuries that don't improve with appropriate conservative care.
Knox Foot and Ankle · 2725 Asbury Rd, Suite 101, Knoxville, TN 37914 · (865) 329-3338
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs About Sports Injury and Ankle Sprain Treatment
A little more about sports injury and ankle sprain treatment at Knox Foot and Ankle.
When should I see a doctor for an ankle sprain?
Schedule an evaluation if you cannot bear weight, have severe swelling or bruising, ongoing pain, repeated sprains, instability, numbness, visible deformity, or pain that returns with activity.
Can Knox Foot and Ankle treat sports-related foot injuries?
Yes. We evaluate ankle sprains, fractures, stress injuries, tendon and ligament injuries, heel pain, forefoot injuries, and other sports-related foot and ankle concerns.
How do I know if my ankle sprain is serious?
Inability to walk, severe pain or swelling, visible deformity, an open injury, or symptoms that do not improve may indicate a more serious injury and should be evaluated.
What is chronic ankle instability?
Chronic ankle instability is recurring weakness or giving way of the ankle after one or more sprains, often during sports, on uneven ground, or on stairs.
Can ankle sprains cause long-term problems?
Repeated or incompletely healed sprains may contribute to chronic instability, weakness, balance problems, recurring pain, and a higher risk of re-injury.
Do sports injuries always require surgery?
No. Most sports injuries do not automatically require surgery. Surgery may be considered for severe or persistent injuries when appropriate conservative care has not provided enough improvement.
Does Knox Foot and Ankle treat runners with foot pain?
Yes. We evaluate running-related heel pain, plantar fasciitis, tendon pain, forefoot pain, stress injuries, and footwear or training-related pressure concerns.
Can children and teens be treated for sports foot injuries?
Yes. Treatment plans for young athletes account for growth, the specific injury, sport demands, and a safe progression back to activity.
What treatments are available for ankle sprains?
Treatment may include activity modification, swelling management, bracing or immobilization, rehabilitation, strength and balance work, orthotics, footwear guidance, and gradual return-to-activity planning.
How do I schedule sports injury treatment in Knoxville?
You can call us at (865) 329-3338 or request an appointment online through our website.
