It’s an inevitability that, due to their lifestyle, athletes are at significantly higher risk of sustaining foot injuries than the everyday person. Athletes of certain sports are at a higher risk than others, with those who partake in basketball, football and running being some of the highest risk.
The feet of athletes are often under a lot of stress. The running, jumping and sudden movement required in sport makes athletes from vulnerable to injury. In this article, we will look at five of the most common foot injuries in athletes.
1. Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone, often caused by repetitive force and overuse from activities such as long-distance running or repeated jumping.
They generally occur in the lower leg and foot and are most prevalent in athletes who participate in sports such as running, gymnastics or dance. This is because these sports repetitively place stress on the ankles and feet. When the muscles are unable to absorb the stress, stress fractures occur.
The pain from a stress fracture will generally worsen over time, especially if the foot or leg is not given sufficient time to heal. Stress fractures will generally require a professional diagnosis, so be sure to book an appointment with your podiatrist if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort when exercising.
2. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition, both in athletes and non-athletes alike. It is one of the leading causes of heel pain in the UK, and while anyone can suffer from the condition, it is particularly prevalent amongst athletes and sports people.
Plantar fasciitis occurs due to inflammation of the plantar fascia – a strong band of tissue in the bottom of the foot. Pain from this condition tends to worsen later in the evening and at times when the plantar fascia may be irritated, such as during exercise.
This painful condition can be challenging to treat, but there are treatment options out that. Shockwave therapy is one of the most popular and effective treatment methods, but physical therapy, injections and surgery can also be used to treat plantar fasciitis. If you’re suffering from this condition, speak to your podiatrist about the treatment options available to you.
3. Turf Toe
Although generally associated with American football, turf toe can affect athletes across various sports. Simply put, turf toe is a sprain to the big toe’s main joint. It commonly occurs when athletes jam or forcefully push off from the big toe. It need not be said that this condition causes pain in the big toe, but damage from hurt toe can also affect the sesamoids to small bones that lie behind the big toe joint.
4. Ankle Sprains
Chances are, you’ve sprained your ankle at some point or another. It’s an injury that occurs easily and is particularly common among athletes.
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments within the ankle have been stretched or torn. Luckily, the vast majority of ankle sprains are minor and will generally heal with rest and ice. However, if swelling and pain persist, it’s essential to seek the help of your podiatrist, as moderate and severe sprains that are left untreated can weaken the ankle and cause repeated sprains or lead to further injury.
5. Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the bone in the heel. It’s the largest tendon in the body and runs lengthwise down the back of the ankle. Because of it’s placement in the body, it’s particularly susceptible to inflammation from overuse, especially in sports that require a lot of running or jumping movement. This inflammation is called Achilles tendonitis.
The severity of Achilles tendinitis varies, and we advise making an appointment with your foot and ankle specialist to determine both the nature and the extent of any Achilles injury.
If you’re concerned about pain in your foot and ankle, contact us online or by phone today.