Whenever you train for a sport or participate in a sport, your focus is on how to get better and better. In the process, you may forget the strain it could have on your feet and ankles.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons estimates that one in four sports-related injuries is foot- or ankle-related. Movements like jumping and running associated with sports such as soccer, football, and basketball leave your foot and ankle vulnerable to injury.
Let’s talk about some of the most common foot and ankle sports injuries you should know about – and how to avoid them.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon runs from your calf muscle to your heel, and it is prone to sports injuries such as tendonitis. A sudden increase in exercise intensity and duration can also lead to this injury. Symptoms include a popping noise followed by intense lower-leg pain, or a chronic dull ache in the back of the lower leg.
Plantar Fasciitis
This condition happens when the plantar fascia – which is the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot between the heel and the toes – is inflamed. This usually occurs due to stress from intense running or poor shoe support. It is characterized by heel pain.
Stress Fracture
For athletes who engage in rigorous sports that involve a lot of running, stress fractures of the foot and ankle are quite common. A stress fracture is a small, hairline crack in a bone. It causes pain and swelling in the lower leg.
Heel Spur
Athletes with arches that are too high or too low are prone to developing heel spurs, which are calcium deposits that result in protrusions on the heel bone. The repeated running on hard surfaces and wearing footwear that does not properly support the arch can put extra stress on the heel, leading to the development of heel spurs.
Sprained Ankle
An ankle sprain is usually caused by a sudden jerking or twisting of the foot. It can cause moderate to severe pain that can make it difficult to stand or walk. A stretch or tear of one or more ligaments in the ankle cause a sprained ankle.
Avoiding Foot and Ankle Injury
The good news is that it’s no big secret how to best avoid getting hurt in your feet and ankles. Warming up before exercising, cooling down afterwards, and always wearing proper supportive foot gear will go a long way in preventing injury.
A skilled and experienced podiatrist will give you particular advice about how to provide ideal support to your feet and ankles in your sport of choice. It’s best not to rely on generalized advice that’s publicly available, such as here on the internet – your podiatrist will give you personalized advice that’s geared to your own body type, health history, fitness level, age, and sport.
Sports Doctors in Cincinnati
At Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care, our skilled and experienced podiatrists diagnose and treat sports injuries of all kinds that affect the foot and ankle. In our cutting-edge yet comfortable podiatric facilities, we treat you like family. We value your comfort and trust, and we’ll make sure you are fully aware of your podiatric condition and the treatment methods available to you.
From ankle sprains to plantar fasciitis to Achilles tendonitis, we have the skills and equipment to treat your foot and ankle condition for a speedy return to the game that you love. Contact us today by calling the location nearest you, or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
