Common Sports Injuries That Affect Your Feet

As the weather cools and school sports seasons hit full swing, expert podiatrist Dr. Leonard Greenwald tends to see more sports injuries affecting feet and ankles. From his practice in San Jose, California, Dr. Greenwald treats sports injuries to the feet and ankles as well as provides advice for injury prevention.

In this blog, Dr. Greenwald and our team share information about some of the most common foot-related sports injuries. We also outline typical treatment requirements and what can be done to treat and prevent these types of foot and ankle issues. 

With the right care and support, you can put your body through its paces in athletic activity without risking your foot health. Here’s what you need to know about the risks to your feet associated with sports.

Foot health and sports

If you think about it, it makes sense that your feet and ankles often suffer from sports injuries. Located at the lowest extreme of your body, your feet bear your entire body weight, as well as added pressure from athletic moves like jumps, landings, and high-speed pivots. Athletes’ feet take a lot of pressure and punishment.

You may suffer a sports-related foot injury in one acute moment of trauma. Or, damage to your feet can build up over time, resulting in a stress injury. Either way, when you become aware of a potential injury or issue with your feet, getting care right away is essential to keeping you in good shape.

Common foot-related sports injuries and how to prevent them

Several different parts of your foot can experience injury as a result of high-pressure athletic performance. These are some of the sports-related foot injuries Dr. Greenwald sees most frequently.

Achilles tendinitis

Your Achilles tendon, the largest single tendon in your body, connects your heel to your lower leg. Overuse in sports can lead to Achilles tendinitis.

Inflammation and tendon damage may need rest or physical therapy, and, in severe cases, may require surgery. To prevent this issue, stretch your legs and ankles before getting active, and always warm up and cool down before and after a practice, competition, or meet.

Plantar fasciitis

You have two plantar fascia, one in each foot. This thick band of tissue connects your heel to the front part of your foot and supports and cushions the arch of your foot. Inflammation and damage to your plantar fascia, medically known as plantar fasciitis, is a common runner’s injury that can cause heel pain.

You can prevent plantar fasciitis by making sure your shoes are supportive and by stretching your calf muscles before running. Treatments like rest, ice therapy, and physical therapy help most patients recover without surgery.

Stress fractures

Sports including basketball, dance, gymnastics, running, and tennis put you at increased risk of stress fractures in one or more of the bones in your feet and ankles. Stress fractures, small cracks in your bone, most often occur in the second and third metatarsal bones in your midfoot.

You need to rest after a stress fracture and may require assistive equipment like an immobilizing boot or crutches. Reduce your risk of stress fractures by strengthening the muscles in your feet, ankles, and lower legs to take pressure off your bones.

All of these sports injuries can leave you with lasting podiatry problems without the right treatment. Seek professional care as a first step toward full recovery as an athlete.

For injury care, as well as personalized prevention advice, schedule an appointment with Dr. Greenwald today. Book your appointment online or over the phone.