Playing Sports Does Not Have to Mean Getting Hurt!

Sports Injuries of the Foot and Ankle

Sports injuries of the foot and ankle generally fall into one of two categories: (1) Acute/Traumatic Injuries which occur due to a sudden force, or impact, on the foot or ankle, and (2) Overuse Injuries which result from overuse, lack of proper rest, lack of proper warm-ups, or poor conditioning.

But playing sports does not have to mean getting hurt. Warming up adequately, training effectively, using proper equipment for your sport, and recognizing and addressing the early warning signs of injury can reduce your risk of aches and pains.


The following is a list of some of the most common sports-related injuries of the foot and ankle:

Baseball—blisters, ankle sprains, muscle strains, stress fractures

Basketball—ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis

Bicycling—Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, blisters

Dance—ankle sprains, dancer's fracture, sesamoiditis, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, Achilles tendonitis, trigger toe

Football—shin splints, ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, turf toe, blisters

Golf—plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, blisters

Running—ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, blisters, plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, patellofemoral pain syndrome, piriformis syndrome, shin splints, stress fractures, muscle cramps

Skiing/Snowboarding—frostbite, muscle strains, ankle sprains

Soccer—ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, IT band syndrome, muscle cramps, blisters, patellofemoral pain syndrome, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, stress fractures

Tennis—Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, IT band syndrome, Achilles tendon rupture, stress fractures

Volleyball—Achilles tendonitis, Achilles tendon rupture, ankle sprains

While it is impossible to prevent every injury, research suggests that injury rates could be reduced by 25% if athletes took appropriate preventative action, including the following: be in proper physical condition to play a sport, play by the rules of the sport, wear appropriate protective gear, rest, warm-up, and avoid playing when in pain or when tired.


Just a few extra words about running:


Running is one of the easiest ways for athletes to get injured. Running injuries are common and often affect the ankles and feet. The impact and stress of running is sometimes hard on the muscles and joints, especially if the early warning signs of an injury are ignored. The best way to avoid running injuries is to prevent them using tips such as these:
· Stretch, stretch, stretch!
· Wear Proper Footwear
· Replace Shoes as Needed
· Warm Up Properly
· Cross Train
· Avoid Overtraining
· Follow the Ten Percent Rule



A podiatrist can recommend the proper running shoe for your foot type. If you're not sure which shoe is right for you, consult your podiatrist.