There is no question that athletes' feet and ankles are prime candidates for injuries from the repeated pounding that runners receive on paved surfaces to the side-to-side motion seen in court sports. Whether you participate in sports regularly or are just a "weekend warrior," be on the lookout for some of these common problems.
Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries. Prompt evaluation and treatment is important to ensure proper healing and the prevention of chronic instability. Sometimes what is thought to be a "sprain" is actually an ankle fracture with differing treatments and healing times. An ankle that has not been properly healed and strengthened is more likely to suffer repeated sprains, leading to chronic ankle instability.
Athletes are at high risk for developing disorders of the Achilles tendon . Achilles tendonitis, a painful inflammation of the tendon that runs down the back of the lower leg, can progress into a difficult to treat degeneration of the tendon (Achilles tendinosis) occurring with long term injury. Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, although it may also be due to other causes including stress fractures. Faulty foot structure is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis, but it can also result from wearing shoes that are worn out or not designed for the sport in which you're participating.
Flexibility of the lower extremity will help get rid of this pain, but continued pain should be checked out to rule out a fracture or other cause. Morton's neuroma, also called "intermetatarsal neuroma," this is a thickening of nerve tissue in the ball of the foot resulting from compression and irritation of the nerve. Causes include activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running or court sports. Symptoms start gradually and may come and go when the nerve is irritated due to activity.
BASEBALL INJURIES
Your feet and ankles take a beating when you're playing baseball. Baseball players should be aware of the following risks:
- Ankle sprains may occur while running, fielding balls, stepping on, or sliding into bases.
- Overuse or excessive training may sideline some athletes with shin splints, Achilles tendinopathy or heel pain (often plantar fasciitis, or calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents). Contusions may occur from impact with the ball or contact with other players.
- Cleats may pose challenges in the forefoot and aggravation of neuromas, sesamoids, bunions, and hammertoes. To stay at the top of your game, ensure that cleats are fitted properly, and have any injuries evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon.
BASKETBALL INJURIES
Feet and ankles take a beating in basketball, too! Injuries can occur from running, jumping, cutting, quick starts and stops, and direct contact with other players. Basketball players should be aware of the following:
- Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries, fractures, and chronic ankle instability.
- Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.
FIELD HOCKEY INJURIES
The running and side-to-side cutting in field hockey are common causes of injuries to the foot and ankle. Field hockey players should be aware of the following risks:
- Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
- Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
- Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.
FOOTBALL INJURIES
Football players can receive injuries to the foot and ankle due to running, side-to-side cutting, or direct trauma, such as from another player during a tackle. Be aware of the following risks:
- Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
- Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
- Contusions and bone bruises like turf toe injuries may also result from high impact during tackling.
- Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.
SOCCER INJURIES
Soccer is hard on the feet! Injuries to the foot and ankle can occur from running; side-to-side cutting, sliding, or tackling; and from striking the ball or another player with the foot. Soccer players should be aware of the following risks:
- Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
- Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
- Contusions and bone bruises may also result from high impact, such as in slide tackling.
- Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.
Dr. Tony Avakian is highly experienced in foot and ankle injuries his resume includes treatment of many high level professional athletes in the NBA, MLB, NFL, MLS, MMA, WNBA.