What sports injuries affect the foot and ankle?
Physical activities like running, jumping, dancing, and playing sports provide numerous opportunities for injuries. Common podiatric sports injuries include:
Plantar fasciitis
A leading cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury that often affects runners.
Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis and peroneal tendinitis are two types of tendon inflammation that affect the foot and ankle. Both conditions are common in runners.
The Achilles tendon runs behind the heel and attaches to the calf muscles. The peroneal tendons run along the bony bump on the outside of your ankle.
Fractures
A fracture, or broken bone, can affect any of the 26 bones in your foot or the three in your ankle. Fractures can result from a sudden injury, like landing awkwardly from a jump, or they may develop from repetitive stress.
Stress fractures are hairline cracks in the bone rather than a complete break. Stress fractures are common in the small bones of your forefoot and may occur due to overuse.
Sesamoiditis
The sesamoids are two small, round bones in the ball of your foot. Sesamoiditis is inflammation and pain around the sesamoid bones that may result from increased pressure on the foot.
Calcaneal apophysitis
Also called Sever’s disease, calcaneal apophysitis is painful inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. This condition usually affects children ages 8-14.
How are foot and ankle sports injuries diagnosed?
To diagnose a sports injury, your expert podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Clinic of Central Texas carefully examines your foot, ankle, and lower leg. They ask you to describe how the injury occurred and what symptoms you have.
They may also take tests, like an X-ray, to evaluate your bone structure or nerve function tests to check for nerve damage. These tests help your podiatrist confirm a diagnosis so they can recommend the best course of treatment.
How are foot and ankle sports injuries treated?
The treatment you need depends on the specific type and severity of your injury. Many foot and ankle sports injuries resolve with nonsurgical treatments, such as:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Physical therapy
- Custom orthotics
- Medication to reduce pain and inflammation
- Immobilization in a boot or brace
- Padding or taping the foot
- Changing footwear
- Assistive devices like crutches
If your injury is severe, or if your pain and symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, foot and ankle surgery may be necessary. Dr. Urteaga is a highly skilled surgeon with expertise in advanced procedures, including the Arthrex® InternalBrace™ for ankle sprains and instability.
For the best care of podiatric sports injuries, call Foot and Ankle Clinic of Central Texas, or book an appointment online today.
