As with any sporting activity, it’s very important to be aware of the safety precautions needed to help avoid injury and reduce risk. With that being said, injuries of the foot and ankle are fairly common among those who actively participate in sports.

Some sports may be considered more dangerous in terms of foot and ankle injuries compared to others. These sports may include basketball, running, football, soccer, and dancing. Sports that require tightly worn shoes as well as have a particular focus on jumping typically run a higher risk of injury. Because the feet are considered the foundation of the body, help us stay balanced, and enable us to perform our everyday activities, professional help should be sought at the first instinct of something gone wrong.

Some common contributors that lead to foot and ankle injuries in the realm of sports include not stretching properly or failing to warm up, wearing the incorrect footwear needed for your particular sport, as well as not taping or providing your feet and ankle with the needed support. There are a number of foot conditions that can develop if certain safety measures are ignored. Some of the most common conditions related to sports injuries include Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures, to name a few.

Achilles tendinitis affects the largest tendon in the body, the Achilles tendon. This type of injury typically occurs because of overuse. The main function of the Achilles tendon is to transmit power from the calf muscles to the heel and the foot. When this tendon is harmed, it can be extremely painful and may lead to further complications including tears, ruptures, tendinitis, peritendinitis, tendinosis, tendinopathy, and bursitis.

Plantar fasciitis may occur when the band of tissues that support the arch of your foot experience too much stress. These tissues can become strained from frequently performing sporting activities, thus causing inflammation and pain at the bottom of the heel.

Stress fractures can arise due to a lack of conditioning, use of improper equipment or technique, and repetitive stress placed on the foot and ankle. A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone that can be very painful and cause a great deal of discomfort.

If you commonly participate in sporting activities and would like more information about how to keep your feet and ankles safe, as well as learn more about your treatment options if injured, we recommend you speak with a podiatrist for professional guidance and care.

Sports Medicine Q & A

What is sports medicine?

Sports medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the health and well-being of active individuals.

Sports medicine physicians, like the podiatrists at Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists, have advanced training to diagnose and treat sports injuries, as well as prevent them from happening again.

What foot and ankle conditions benefit from sports medicine?

Sports injuries may affect any part of your body, but your feet and ankles may be especially vulnerable if you play high-impact sports like football, basketball, or tennis.

Athletes can suffer from a range of foot and ankle conditions, but they can get expert sports medicine care at Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists. The team treats these and many other sports injuries:

• Ankle sprains
• Turf toe: A sprain in the main joint in the big toe
• Plantar plate injuries: A tear in the ligament at the back of the heel
• Sesamoiditis: Inflammation or rupture of the two bones under the big toe
• Stress fractures
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tendonitis
• Posterior tibial tendonitis: Inflammation of the calf tendon in the foot

You may also benefit from sports medicine at Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists if you have a foot condition that affects your athletic performance, such as flat feet or a high arch. These foot conditions may affect your gait and cause foot pain.

What can I expect during a sports medicine consultation?

You can expect a patient-centered examination when you visit Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists for a sports medicine consultation. The team asks detailed questions about your concerns and goals.

If you have an injury, they review your symptoms and the events that led up to the injury. The team also asks about your typical workout routine and the type of shoewear you use. They examine your injury and take X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI to assess the severity of your injury.

The team develops a personalized treatment plan to heal your injury as quickly and safely as possible. Treatment may include:

• Rest, ice, elevation, and compression (RICE)
• Activity modification
• Splinting or bracing
• Physical therapy
• Custom orthotics
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Injection therapy

The team also performs surgery when needed to treat sports injuries. The board-certified foot and ankle surgeons use the most advanced tools and techniques so you get the best outcomes.

Part of your sports medicine care at Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists also focuses on injury prevention.

For comprehensive podiatry sports medicine care, call Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists, or book an appointment online today.