Sportsmedicine

A Podiatrist is thoroughly trained in the field of sports medicine as it pertains to the foot and ankle, and lower extremity. Their training also gives them a complete understanding of all the anatomy and physiology of the body, with special emphasis on the problems that can arise in the feet, legs, hips and lower back of the athlete.

Dr. Sommer is a member of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine with over 19 years of experience in treating athletes

Not only does he have this training in sports medicine, but he himself is an accomplished runner, triathlete, and cyclist. He has trained and competed year-around in triathlons (a continuous marathon of swimming, cycling and running) for over 15 years. Dr.Sommer has completed the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon Championship in Kona, Hawaii (2.4 mile ocean swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile marathon).

2002, Midwest Regional Long Course Championships he placed 10th in his age group with a 4:56 half ironman time.

2003, 4th overall in the Valpo Triathlon, and 9th overall in the LaPorte Triathlon.

2004, 3^rd in the Valpo Triathlon and 6^th in Laporte.

2006, 1st Lake Delavan Adventure Race, 4th Lake Geneva Adventure Race.

Dr. Sommer’s involvement in a variety of endurance sports obviously lends itself to a much more thorough understanding of all the injuries and disorders that can affect athletes.

No one is immune to becoming injured. Dr. Sommer not only treats both the acute and chronic sports injury, but he also gives consultation to the athlete who wants to know the best possible ways to help prevent sports injuries. Proper athletic shoes, stretching, strengthening techniques and good biomechanical control through an orthotic shoe insert can all be ways to begin limiting sports injuries and maximizing performance.