5 Common Foot and Ankle Injuries in Athletes and How a Sports Podiatrist Can Help

Athletes put a lot of stress on their feet and ankles, and as a result, these areas are particularly prone to injury. From stress fractures to plantar fasciitis to ankle sprains, foot and ankle injuries can sideline athletes for weeks or even months. And while rest and rehabilitation are critical components of recovery, athletes must seek the help of a professional to diagnose and treat their injuries properly. This blog post will look at five common foot and ankle injuries that athletes may experience and explain how a sports podiatrist can help.

Injury #1: Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are tiny cracks or breaks in a bone caused by repetitive stress or overuse. They are most commonly found in the foot and ankle, specifically in bones such as the metatarsals, tibia, and fibula. Stress fractures can occur due to increased activity, improper training techniques, or a lack of rest between workouts. Athletes participating in sports involving running or jumping are at a higher risk of developing stress fractures.

sports injury

Symptoms of stress fractures include pain that is usually felt in the middle of the foot or ankle and is most noticeable while running or jumping. Swelling, tenderness, and warmth in the affected area may also be present. A sports podiatrist will perform a physical examination and may also use imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to diagnose a stress fracture.

Treatment for stress fractures typically includes rest, ice, and pain relief medication. Sometimes, a short leg cast or boot may immobilize the affected area and allow the fracture to heal. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help regain strength and flexibility. A sports podiatrist can also help by providing custom orthotics or shoe inserts to help redistribute weight and take pressure off the affected area. They may also recommend proper training techniques and equipment to prevent future stress fractures.

Injury #2: Plantar Fasciitis

This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tissue that runs from your heel to your toes along the bottom of your foot. It is caused by overuse or overstretching of the plantar fascia and is most common in active people or with certain foot types. Risk factors include having high arches, flat feet, or tight calf muscles, being overweight or having a job that requires a lot of standing or walking.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain that is felt in the heel or the bottom of the foot and is most noticeable in the morning or after sitting for an extended time. The pain can be sharp or dull and may improve as the day goes on. A sports podiatrist will perform a physical examination and may also use imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds to diagnose plantar fasciitis.

Rest, ice, and pain relief medications are all possible treatments for plantar fasciitis. Stretching exercises and physical therapy can also help treat plantar fasciitis. A sports podiatrist can help by providing custom orthotics or shoe inserts to help redistribute weight and take pressure off the affected area. They may also recommend proper training techniques and equipment to prevent future plantar fasciitis. Sometimes, a sports podiatrist may also recommend extracorporeal shockwave therapy or corticosteroid injections to help alleviate pain and inflammation.

Injury #3: Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are injured. It occurs when the foot is twisted or turned in an unnatural direction, causing the ligaments to stretch or tear. Ankle sprains are common in sports that involve running, jumping, or quick changes in direction, such as basketball, soccer, and football. They can also occur from a fall or other accident.

There are several signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain, including pain, swelling, and tenderness. There may also be bruising, stiffness, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle. A sports podiatrist will perform a physical examination and may also use imaging tests such as X-rays to diagnose an ankle sprain.

Treatment for an ankle sprain typically includes rest, ice, and pain relief medication. A sports podiatrist may also recommend physical therapy to help regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected ankle. Sometimes, a sports podiatrist may also recommend a brace or wrap to support the ankle during the healing process. They may also recommend proper training techniques and equipment to prevent future ankle sprains. For more advanced treatment, a sports podiatrist may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.

Injury #4: Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It is caused by overuse or overstretching of the tendon, which can lead to small tears in the tissue. Risk factors include:

  • Having tight calf muscles.
  • Increasing the intensity of your physical activity too quickly.
  • Having a previous injury to the ankle or heel.

When you have Achilles tendinitis, you may experience pain or stiffness in the back of your heel, which generally worsens in the morning or after a long period of sitting. The pain can also be felt when climbing stairs or standing on tiptoe. The area may also be swollen and tender to the touch. A sports podiatrist will perform a physical examination and may also use imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasound to diagnose Achilles tendinitis.

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Treatment options for Achilles tendinitis include rest, ice, and pain relief medication. Stretching and physical therapy can also help treat Achilles tendinitis. A sports podiatrist can help by providing custom orthotics or shoe inserts to help redistribute weight and take pressure off the affected area. They may also recommend proper training techniques and equipment to prevent future Achilles tendinitis. Sometimes, a sports podiatrist may also recommend extracorporeal shockwave therapy or corticosteroid injections to help alleviate pain and inflammation.

It is also important to note that if the injury is not treated properly, Achilles Tendinitis can evolve into a more severe condition called Achilles Tendinopathy, which may require surgery or an extended rehabilitation period. A sports podiatrist can advise on the best course of action if the tendinitis does not improve with conservative treatment.

Injury #5: Shin Splints

A painful and tender shinbone (tibia) along the inner edge is known as medial tibial stress syndrome. It is caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the shinbone and the muscles and tendons that attach to it. This type of injury is common among runners, dancers, and athletes who participate in sports that involve a lot of running and jumping. Risk factors include having flat feet or high arches, overpronation, and wearing shoes that do not provide enough support.

Symptoms of shin splints include pain, tenderness, and discomfort along the inner edge of the shinbone. The pain is usually dull and achy but can also be sharp. Symptoms are often felt during or after physical activity and may be relieved with rest. A sports podiatrist will perform a physical examination and may also use imaging tests such as X-rays to diagnose shin splints.

Treatment options for shin splints include rest, ice, and pain relief medication. Stretching and physical therapy can also help treat shin splints. A sports podiatrist can help by providing custom orthotics or shoe inserts to help redistribute weight and take pressure off the affected area. They may also recommend proper training techniques and equipment to prevent future shin splints. Sometimes, a sports podiatrist may also recommend extracorporeal shockwave therapy or corticosteroid injections to help alleviate pain and inflammation.

Foot and ankle injuries are common among athletes, but they can also be prevented or managed with the help of a sports podiatrist. Stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, Achilles tendinitis, and shin splints are some of the most common foot and ankle injuries seen in athletes. Each of these injuries has its own symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

A sports podiatrist can help diagnose and treat these injuries and provide advice on how to prevent them from recurring in the future. If you are an athlete experiencing pain or discomfort in your feet or ankles, it’s important to seek the help of a sports podiatrist to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Click here for a clinic in Sydney we recommend. Remember that early diagnosis and treatment can lead to faster recovery and get you back to your sport or activity.