Getting injured while playing sports is not unusual, and according to research, about one-fourth of those injuries occur in the foot. Further, the type of sport you play has a direct effect on the likelihood of getting hurt. Sports that involve running and jumping, especially on hard surfaces, increase the risk of foot and ankle injuries. The most common sports-related injuries, brought on mainly by overuse or repetitive actions, are plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, foot stress fractures, and Achilles tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis, common to runners, occurs when the band of tissue on the sole of the foot becomes inflamed and tears. Heel spurs, often linked to plantar fasciitis, occur as calcium deposits develop on the bottom of the heel bone. Foot stress fractures are tiny cracks in the foot bones that can result from repeated pounding. They are common in basketball, tennis and soccer players, as well as dancers and gymnasts. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon that connects the heel to the calf. It is common in sports that call for a lot of running and jumping. If you are active in sports, it is a good idea to develop an ongoing relationship with a chiropodist who can treat any foot and ankle injuries you may sustain.
Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries Among Athletes:
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Ankle strains or sprains
- Plantar fasciitis
- Fractures
- Turf toe
- Joint dislocations
- Sever’s disease
- Morton’s neuroma
Symptoms
Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle.
Diagnosis
Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses.
Treatment
Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON .