Get back in the game — without the fear of re-injury.

Dr. Patel treats the full spectrum of foot and ankle sports injuries: ankle sprains and instability, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, turf toe, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, peroneal tendinitis, heel spurs, and overuse injuries. She treats athletes of all levels — from weekend warriors and high school competitors to marathon runners, basketball players, soccer athletes, and dancers.

Dr. Patel brings a unique dual perspective: she's a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon AND a marathon runner who has completed three 26.2-mile races. She understands sports injuries from both sides of the exam table — the clinical side and the athlete's side. She knows how frustrating it is to be sidelined and how important it is to return safely. She doesn't just treat the injury; she analyzes your biomechanics, training load, footwear, and gait to fix what caused it. Her goal is to return you to your sport stronger and less likely to re-injure.

Same-day appointments are available for acute sports injuries — sprains, suspected fractures, and sudden pain. We have on-site X-ray so you get a diagnosis immediately, not days later. Call (732) 696-4290 and tell our team it's an acute injury — we'll prioritize getting you in. No referral is needed to see Dr. Patel.

Return-to-play timelines depend on the injury and your sport. Mild ankle sprains: 2-4 weeks. Stress fractures: 6-10 weeks. Achilles tendinitis: 4-8 weeks. Turf toe: 3-6 weeks. Dr. Patel gives every athlete a concrete, phased return-to-play protocol so you know exactly what to expect — and you're not guessing when it's safe to push. The key difference: she clears you based on functional testing and biomechanics, not just a calendar date. This dramatically reduces the risk of re-injury.

The vast majority of foot and ankle sports injuries are treated without surgery. Dr. Patel's approach is conservative-first: acute management, bracing or immobilization when needed, physical therapy, shockwave and laser therapy, and biomechanical correction. Surgery is reserved for cases where conservative treatment fails or where there's a structural problem that won't heal on its own — like a complete tendon rupture, severe ligament tear, or displaced fracture. If surgery is needed, she uses the least invasive technique possible to minimize downtime.

Yes — Dr. Patel treats athletes of all ages, including high school and college athletes. She understands the unique concerns with young athletes: growth plate injuries, the pressure to return for the season, and the need to communicate clearly with coaches and athletic trainers. She provides detailed return-to-play documentation that schools and teams can follow.