Sports Medicine Podiatrist in Bellevue

At CarePlus Foot and Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, Washington, Dr. Hubert Lee diagnoses and treats the full range of foot and ankle sports injuries, from sudden injuries to nagging overuse problems, whether you are training for a race or stayed a little too long on the court. We offer same-day and urgent care appointments for new injuries.

Sports injuries we treat

Dr. Lee diagnoses and treats the common foot and ankle injuries that affect active people:

• Ankle sprains and instability: twisted ankles, ligament sprains, and ankles that roll, give way, or feel unstable during sport and even on everyday walks.
• Heel and arch pain: plantar fasciitis and arch pain that flare up with running, jumping, and other repetitive impact on hard surfaces.
• Tendon injuries: Achilles tendinitis and other tendon strains from training and impact.
• Stress fractures and overuse: stress fractures, turf toe, and overuse injuries from repetitive load.

Our approach to sports injuries

At CarePlus in Bellevue, we start with an accurate diagnosis, using a hands-on exam and imaging when needed, then build a plan focused on healing the injury and getting you back to activity safely. Treatment is conservative first and tailored to your sport and goals. Depending on the injury, that may include rest and bracing, physical therapy, custom orthotics to correct mechanics, or Remy laser therapy to help calm pain and inflammation. If you are dealing with plantar fasciitis, we will address that as part of the plan too.

Getting you back to activity

Returning too soon is one of the most common reasons injuries linger or come back. Dr. Lee’s sports medicine background means your plan balances healing with a realistic, step-by-step return to training, so you can get back to your sport with confidence. We care for runners, recreational athletes, and student athletes alike.

Why choose CarePlus for sports medicine

A sports injury heals best when the diagnosis behind the plan is right. Dr. Hubert Lee is a board-certified podiatrist with more than 15 years of experience and the Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine Fellowship at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, so your injury is correctly identified and treated with a return to activity in mind, not just rested and hoped away. Athletes and active people across Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Sammamish, and the greater Seattle area come to CarePlus for that difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Medicine

What is a sports medicine podiatrist?

A sports medicine podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist who diagnoses and treats sports-related injuries and helps athletes return to activity safely. Dr. Lee is board-certified and fellowship-trained in podiatric sports medicine, so your injury is assessed accurately and treated with your sport and goals in mind.

What sports injuries does CarePlus treat?

Dr. Lee treats the full range of foot and ankle sports injuries, including ankle sprains and instability, plantar fasciitis and heel pain, Achilles and other tendon injuries, stress fractures, turf toe, and overuse injuries from repetitive load.

When should I see a podiatrist for a sports injury?

See a podiatrist if pain lasts more than a few days, you cannot put weight on the foot or ankle, there is significant swelling or bruising, or the problem keeps returning. For new injuries, CarePlus offers same-day and urgent appointments so you are not left waiting.

Will I need surgery for a foot or ankle sports injury?

Usually not. Most sports injuries are treated conservatively first, with options such as rest and bracing, physical therapy, custom orthotics, and laser therapy. Dr. Lee only considers surgery when conservative care is not enough, and will explain the options clearly if it ever comes to that.

Do you treat runners?

Yes. Runners are a large part of the practice. Dr. Lee treats common running injuries such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, and arch pain, and builds a plan for a safe, step-by-step return to training.

Why does my heel hurt after running?

Heel pain after running is most often plantar fasciitis, an irritation of the tissue band along the bottom of the foot. It can also come from a heel spur, tight calf muscles, or a stress reaction in the bone. Dr. Lee examines the foot, pinpoints the cause, and treats it with options such as custom orthotics, stretching, and laser therapy so you can run comfortably again.

Why does my ankle keep rolling or giving way?

An ankle that keeps rolling or giving way usually points to chronic ankle instability, often from past sprains that left the ligaments stretched or weak. Left untreated, it can lead to more sprains and joint damage over time. Dr. Lee evaluates the ligaments and balance, then treats instability with bracing, strengthening, custom orthotics, and surgery only when it is truly needed.

Why does my Achilles hurt when I run?

Pain in the Achilles when you run is commonly Achilles tendinitis, an overuse irritation of the tendon at the back of the ankle. It is often linked to a sudden jump in mileage, tight calves, or worn-out shoes. Dr. Lee confirms the diagnosis and treats it with options such as load management, stretching, orthotics, and laser therapy, with a plan to get you back to running safely.

Should I see a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon for a foot or ankle sports injury?

For most foot and ankle sports injuries, a podiatrist is an excellent first choice. A podiatrist focuses specifically on the foot and ankle, while an orthopedic surgeon covers the whole musculoskeletal system. Dr. Lee is board-certified and fellowship-trained in podiatric sports medicine and manages the full range of foot and ankle injuries, starting with conservative care and turning to surgery only if it is truly needed.

How soon can I be seen for a new injury?

CarePlus offers same-day and urgent appointments for new foot and ankle injuries. Call (425) 455-0936 and our team will get you in as soon as possible.