Conditions & Treatments

Sports Injuries of the Foot & Ankle

Foot and ankle injuries are among the most common in sport at every level, from youth athletics through professional competition. Dr. Hanson has served as team physician for Division I collegiate athletes, MLS professionals, and U.S. National Team soccer players, bringing that expertise to active patients across Houston.

Foot and Ankle Injuries in Active Patients

Sports place exceptional demands on the foot and ankle, and injuries in these structures can derail an entire season or become chronic problems that limit activity for years. Correct diagnosis and treatment from the outset matters enormously. Inadequately treated ankle sprains become instability. Missed stress fractures become complete fractures. Posterior ankle impingement dismissed as "just tightness" becomes a career obstacle.

Dr. Hanson treats active patients of all ages and activity levels, from competitive high school athletes to recreational adult players to elite professionals. The goal is always the same: accurate diagnosis, the right treatment, and a clear return-to-sport plan.


What Dr. Hanson Treats in Active Patients

  • Acute and chronic ankle sprains and lateral ligament injuries
  • Peroneal tendon tears, subluxation, and tendinopathy
  • Posterior ankle impingement (common in dancers, gymnasts, and soccer players)
  • Achilles tendinopathy and acute rupture
  • Jones fractures and metatarsal stress fractures
  • Turf toe and plantar plate injuries
  • Os trigonum syndrome
  • Lisfranc sprains and fracture-dislocations
  • Sesamoid injuries
  • Ankle osteochondral lesions (cartilage damage)

Return to Sport Without Compromise

Dr. Hanson's approach to sports injuries reflects his years on the sideline: not every injury requires surgery, but every injury requires accurate diagnosis and a structured plan. He has published peer-reviewed work on posterior ankle impingement and sideline management of joint dislocations, areas where early correct management makes a measurable difference in outcome.

Non-Surgical
  • Sport-specific rehabilitation programs
  • Bracing and taping protocols
  • Injection therapy (corticosteroid, PRP)
  • Immobilization and protected loading
  • Return-to-sport progression planning
Surgical
  • Ankle arthroscopy for impingement and cartilage lesions
  • Ligament reconstruction
  • Peroneal tendon repair
  • Percutaneous fracture fixation
  • Minimally invasive approaches throughout

Sideline Experience, Surgical Precision

Dr. Hanson has served as team physician for Rice University Athletics, the Houston Dynamo, and U.S. Men's and Women's National Soccer Teams. These roles require rapid diagnosis under pressure, an understanding of sport-specific demands, and the ability to make treatment recommendations that account for both short-term performance goals and long-term joint health. He brings all of that to his practice at Houston Methodist West.

Take the Next Step

Request a Consultation with Dr. Hanson

Dr. Hanson will take time to understand your specific situation, review any prior imaging or records, and give you an honest assessment of all your options including non-surgical approaches.

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