Foot and ankle injuries are common in sport, and if you are worried, please contact CuraFoot Clinic for an appointment.
Causes
Foot and ankle injuries for athletes can be caused for a number of reasons such as
- Overuse
- Rapid warm up
- Sports requiring playing on hard surfaces (such as basketball)
- Unnatural bent of the ankle
- Blunt force trauma
Conditions
Common foot conditions caused as a result of sports include:
1. Plantar fasciitis
2. Achilles tendonitis
3. Sprains and fractures
4. Ball of foot pain
5. Cramps
6. Flat feet
7. Corns & calluses
8. Athlete’s feet (fungal infection to your feet)
One of the best ways to avoid any of the above is by investing in custom sports shoes or custom insoles specifically designed to support your feet. These redistribute feet pressure and also avoid overstraining any particular tendon or muscle. It is very important to have the right footwear to suit your feet and level of activity.
Running injuries
Running loads the feet and legs thousands of times in each run, so most running injuries come from doing too much, too soon, or from how the feet move. The common ones each have their own page:
- Shin splints: pain along the inner shin
- Stress fractures: pain at one spot on a bone that gets worse with each run
- Achilles tendonitis: pain at the back of the heel
- Plantar fasciitis: heel pain with the first steps of the day
- Morton’s neuroma: burning in the ball of the foot
- Knee pain when you run or climb stairs
Cricket, football and badminton
Sports with quick turns, jumps and landings bring more ankle sprains and forefoot injuries:
- Ankle sprains and ligament injuries from landing or turning on the ankle
- Foot and ankle injuries from tackles and knocks
- Ball of foot pain from pushing off on the forefoot
- Blisters and corns from boots and court shoes
At CuraFoot a foot doctor finds the cause and plans your way back: a sports injury assessment, a gait analysis and 3D foot scan, custom insoles for your sports shoes, braces and walker boots and physiotherapy. See our Sports Injury Foot Clinic.
Symptoms
Swelling from sports injury
See a doctor immediately if you show any of the following signs:
1. Sharp, stabbing pain
2. Swelling or redness
3. Numbness or insensation
4. Instability or weakness in the joint or foot
5. Unnatural bent of the ankle or foot
6. Tenderness or soreness
7. Continuous dull pain of the foot
You may be suffering from a sudden trauma or from an injury that is caused by wear and tear of the muscles or tendons from prolonged use and pressure.
Treatment
There treatments – targeted towards athletes – deal specifically with sports injuries and related conditions. Usually an athlete suffering from injuries is kept away from playing further till the time that the condition is completely cured.
IMPORTANT
Often, because of inadequate rest, the condition tends to recur and may cause more severe damage. In extreme cases of damage, surgery may be required.
Non-invasive treatments are adapted by podiatrists in case of mild to moderate injuries. Such injuries can heal over time if the complete treatment cycle is followed through along with adequate rest.
Treatments vary depending on the kind of injury. Here are some basic treatment steps that you can follow immediately after an injury:
Ice or compression
Use ice packs or compressions to reduce the swelling and the pain.
Rest the foot
Do not put pressure on the foot and provide rest.
Elevate the feet
Elevate your feet and rest to improve blood circulation.
