Common Foot and Ankle-Related Sports Injuries

Sports people who compete at the elite level are prone to foot and ankle injuries like sprains, strains, tears and breaks. Athletes, both male and female, are more likely to be injured when they increase the volume and intensity of their training.

Common sports-related injuries

Achilles tendinitis

This is a common injury that affects the Achilles tendon, which is the largest tendon in the body. This condition occurs due to the overuse, degeneration, and wearing down of the tendon while playing rigorous sports.

Plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that stretches across the heel and supports the arch of the foot. When the tissues are strained from intense athletic training, they become inflamed, causing pain at the bottom of the heel.

Stress fractures

Stress factors usually affect athletes who participate in high-intensity sports like running, basketball, tennis, gymnastics etc. This is because, in these sports, there is repetitive stress placed on certain parts of the feet and ankles. This continuous stress can cause the bone to crack.

Ankle sprain

Ankle sprains are easily the most common foot/ankle injury and can happen to anyone. The sprain can be moderate, causing minimal pain, or severe, where the patient may find walking or even standing extremely painful. Ankle sprains that involve twisting of the foot cause damage to the ligaments of the ankle.

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Heel spur

This occurs in athletes with either very flat feet or high arches. It may get aggravated or triggered if the sport involves running on hard surfaces, excessive stress on the heel, and if the athlete wears inappropriate footwear. Heel spurs can cause extreme pain in the rearfoot, especially while standing or walking.

Treatment for sports-related injuries

These days, there are advanced treatments available for sports injuries. These include PRP therapy, EPAT therapy, and amniotic stem cell therapy. These treatments can help relieve pain and aid tissue healing. If you have a sports-related foot or ankle injury, you should consult a Bay Area Foot And Ankle Specialist. With the right kind of help, you will be back on the field in no time at all.