Foot and ankle injuries are one of the most common types of sports injuries, especially among athletes participating in high-impact sports. Given how hard athletes’ feet and ankles work, it is hardly surprising. Many different types of foot and ankle sports injuries can occur, but the following are some of the more common ones:
- Sprained ankle
- Achilles tendinitis (tendinitis of the heel)
- Plantar fasciitis (policeman’s heel)
- Stress fractures
- Morton’s neuroma
- Heel spurs
- Broken foot
Sprained Ankles
Ankle sprains are caused by an unnatural roll, twist, or turn of the foot, which stretches or tears the thick bands of tissue (ligaments) that help hold the ankle bones together. There are two types of ankle sprains: inversion sprains and eversion sprains. Inversion sprains occur when the foot is twisted inwards, whereas eversion sprains occur when the foot is twisted outwards. Inversion sprains are more common and result in injury to the deltoid ligaments. Sprains can cause pain and swelling as well as chronic ankle instability if left untreated, so it is critical to get a quick diagnosis.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis refers to an inflammation of Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects the calf muscles in the back of your lower leg to your heel bone. Tendonitis is typically caused by overuse or age-related wear and tear. If left untreated, it can lead to tendon tears (ruptures), which may necessitate surgical treatment.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, and it is caused by over-stressing the plantar fascia, the band of tissues directly beneath the skin on the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to the front of your foot. This injury, which is more common in runners, can cause stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot around the heel.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures in the foot or ankle can form as a result of repetitive force, often by overuse. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone caused by the bones’ inability to absorb the stress of repetitive impact, such as constantly jumping up and down or sprinting long distances. Common symptoms include swelling and soreness that worsens over time.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a pinched nerve in the foot caused by overuse, injury, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. The condition causes intense, burning pain or numbness in the ball of the foot and between the toes.
Heel Spur
A heel spur is a calcium deposit that causes a bony protrusion between the heel and arch of the foot. It is caused by flat feet or cavus foot (high-arched foot) and can be aggravated by wearing inappropriate footwear, running on hard surfaces, or age. It can cause intense heel pain!
Broken Foot
A broken foot is a bone injury that can range from tiny fissures in the bones to skin-piercing cracks. A severely fractured foot may necessitate emergency surgery to insert plates, rods, or screws into the broken bone to keep it in place while it heals.
Diagnosis
A range of diagnostic approaches may be used depending on your symptoms. A physical assessment is usually the first step in determining what is causing pain, as well as checking for loss of movement, weakness, and swelling in the injured area. Diagnostic testing, such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasound scans, and bone scans, may also be recommended.
Treatment
- Using the R.I.C.E method (rest, ice, compress and elevate the injured area to prevent or minimize swelling).
- Painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like Ibuprofen to treat pain.
- Stretching and other low-impact exercises to strengthen muscles and improve mobility.
- Corticosteroid injections into the joint to reduce inflammation and improve flexibility.
- Certain types of tendon injuries may benefit from Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). Energy impulses are directed at injured tissues in order to boost blood flow to the injured area and promote healing.
- Wearing the right-sized footwear to support the feet.
- Orthotics may assist in reducing stress on the arch of the foot or heel.
- Night splints can help to relax and stretch the plantar fascia, reducing pain. A brace or walking cast can also help with some foot and ankle injuries by immobilizing the injured area during the healing process.
- Fractures may need to be repaired surgically with metal plates, screws, or pins.
- Chronic ankle instability may necessitate joint reconstruction surgery.
Visit the FootDocStore.com blog for more information on how to keep your feet and ankles healthy.