Off-Season, On Alert: Treating Summer Training Injuries in Athletes
Summer may be the “off-season” for many student athletes, but it’s often when training ramps up—conditioning drills, club teams, open gyms, and early prep for fall sports. While the structure of a formal season may be on pause, the risk of injury isn’t.
At Align Foot & Ankle, we frequently see young athletes dealing with overuse injuries and lingering foot or ankle pain from summer training. Our goal is to treat pain early and effectively, so athletes can return to their routines without risking long-term setbacks.
Common Summer Training Injuries We See
Without the oversight of coaches or athletic trainers, it’s easy for athletes to push through pain or ignore symptoms. Common injuries we treat during summer include:
- Plantar fasciitis or heel pain from running on hard surfaces
- Stress injuries due to sudden increases in intensity or mileage
- Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) from ramping up running too quickly or wearing poor footwear
- Achilles tendonitis from tight calves and poor recovery habits
- Midfoot pain or bruising from barefoot drills or turf workouts
- Unaddressed ankle sprains from previous seasons
These are often dismissed as soreness—but untreated, they can carry into fall sports and become harder to resolve.
When to Get Evaluated
If foot or ankle pain is:
- Lasting more than a few days
- Worsening with activity
- Causing limping or favoring one side
- Paired with swelling, tenderness, or instability
…it’s time for a proper evaluation. Early diagnosis means faster recovery and less risk of reinjury when the season starts.
At Align Foot & Ankle, we offer in-office digital X-rays, as well as gait plate and 3D foot scanning to evaluate biomechanics and pressure patterns that contribute to pain.
Treatment Options for Athletes
We focus on non-surgical, regenerative solutions that support healing while keeping athletes moving safely.
SoftWave Therapy
This acoustic wave technology stimulates cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and jumpstarts healing—ideal for overuse injuries like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and tendonitis.
Class IV Laser Therapy
Delivers deep tissue energy that improves circulation, reduces pain, and accelerates recovery at the cellular level.
Dr. Ho-Ellsworth often combines SoftWave and Class IV laser therapy to maximize healing. The two work together: SoftWave initiates regeneration, while laser therapy helps maintain pain relief and reduce inflammation during recovery.
Custom Orthotics
Created using 3D and gait plate scans, our orthotics help athletes address structural imbalances and offload pressure—especially for shin splints, heel pain, or arch collapse.
Regenerative Injections (DPMX)
Allograft injections that support ligament, tendon, or joint healing when conservative measures aren’t enough.
Off-Season Is the Smartest Time to Heal
Summer is the best time to treat lingering injuries that athletes often “play through” during the school year. A short pause now can mean a stronger, more confident return in the fall.
Whether you’re a high school athlete prepping for tryouts or a college player getting ready for camp, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth is here to help you recover smarter and safer.
Schedule a consultation today.
Align Foot & Ankle | 1600 W 1600 W 38th St #408, Austin, TX 78731
512-882-4911
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