Foot & Ankle Injuries

One of the most common injuries among athletes are foot and ankle related. In fact, according to studies by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), ankle and foot injuries take up to 25% of all reported athlete injuries. It has also been reported that up to 35% of time lost in sports involving running and jumping were due to ankle injuries. To keep up with competition, athletes must push themselves beyond their limits, which in some cases leads to injury. Sports including football, soccer, basketball, running and dancing cause more foot and ankle injuries than others because their involvement with the foot and ankle. The following are some of the most common injuries related to the foot and ankle.

Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains may not seem serious to some but this type of injury can keep any athlete from participating depending on its severity. Ankle sprains are common in runners that run over different terrain. Potholes, rocks, or any other change in terrain can cause a rapid direction change in the ankle and can lead to a sprain. Luckily, sprains will heal overtime and do not require surgery.

Stress Fracture

A stress fracture is a tiny break in the bone. The pain can be mild to very intense. It is more likely for an athlete with a Vitamin D deficiency to fall victim to a stress fracture. This is a common injury in athletic sports that require a heavy amount of running or jumping.

Achilles Tendonitis or Injury

The achilles is the long tendon on the back of the leg. If this tendon takes repeated abuse it might become inflamed or inflexible. Some athletes push themselves through the pain and continue their activity. In some cases this can cause the tendon to tear or even rupture.

Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is most commonly referred to as heel pain. Heel pain is common in athletes who are not provided with proper footwear or run long distances on hard surfaces. If not identified early in its stages it may turn in to nerve pain, which requires more aggressive treatment.

Shin Splints

A shin splint is when the lining of the shin bone tore away. This can cause pain and swelling in the front or inside of the shin. If the athlete rests and allows proper time to heal, the shin will heal on its own. However, chronic shin splints can be a sign of a stress fracture. If your shin splint is not improving, seek evaluation.

For more information regarding injuries of the foot or ankle please call or visit Precision Foot and Ankle Centers.