This article looks at some of the most common sports injuries that podiatrists work with and some potential ways to prevent them. For personalised advice, contact our team at Foot Health Clinic today.
Podiatry’s Role in Sports Medicine
Podiatrists work with people of all ages, abilities, and lifestyles, aiming to reduce pain and keep people active. They provide guidance on footwear, create custom orthotics, and aim to identify potential issues before they lead to injuries.
If you’ve already sustained an injury, a podiatrist may be able to assist with rehabilitation in an effort to speed up your recovery and help you return to sport safely.
Common Sports Injuries Podiatrists See
Some common sports injuries podiatrists address are:
1. Ankle sprains
Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries. You may sprain your ankle if you twist or roll it during activities that involve sudden changes of direction such as in basketball, tennis, or netball. It happens when the ligaments that support the ankle are torn or stretched, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
A podiatrist should diagnose the severity of your sprain and provide treatment accordingly. For mild sprains, this may be RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), while moderate sprains may require bracing. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. For mild and moderate sprains, they may also recommend exercises to strengthen the ankle in an effort to prevent future strains.
Prevention tips:
- Warm up before exercise
- Wear supportive footwear
- Perform exercises to strengthen the muscles around the ankle
2. Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the tissue running along the bottom of your foot is inflamed or strained. This thick band of tissue connects your heel to your toes, helping to support the arch of your foot. When it’s overused or undergoes repetitive stress, tiny tears can develop and potentially lead to pain and stiffness. This means plantar fasciitis is fairly common in runners and athletes who do a lot of repetitive motions like jumping or running on hard surfaces.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis will vary from person to person but typically includes options such as custom orthotics, stretching exercises, and physiotherapy. In some cases, cortisone injections may be used in an effort to reduce the inflammation.
Prevention tips:
- Stretch your calves and feet regularly
- Wear supportive shoes
- Avoid overtraining
3. Achilles tendonitis
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel. When this tendon becomes inflamed, which is typically from overuse, it’s known as Achilles tendonitis. Much like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis is somewhat common in athletes who play sports requiring a lot of running or jumping.
Podiatrists may recommend treatments such as rest, physiotherapy, custom orthotics, and recommendations for footwear designed to reduce strain on the Achilles tendon. Surgery may be required in severe cases if more conservative methods don’t provide relief.
Prevention tips:
- Increase your activity level gradually
- Perform stretching and strengthening exercises
- Wear shoes with proper support
4. Stress fractures
Stress fractures are typically caused by running or jumping. These are small cracks in the bones caused by repetitive force, and often occur in the feet and lower legs, especially if you increase your training intensity too quickly.
Podiatrists assist in diagnosing stress fractures by using imaging tools such as X-rays. Depending on the results of these tests, treatment may involve rest, wearing a boot or brace, and modifying your physical activity until the fracture heals.
Prevention tips:
- Avoid sudden increases in training intensity
- Wear proper footwear with shock absorption
- Get adequate calcium and Vitamin D for bone strength
5. Shin splints
Shin splints, also called medial tibial stress syndrome, cause pain along the shin bone at the front of your lower leg. They’re common in people who participate in high-impact sports like running or basketball, but they may also occur if you wear improper footwear, overtrain, or walk or run on hard surfaces.
A podiatrist may work with you to identify if you have any biomechanical issues that may have contributed to shin splints, such as a gait analysis. Depending on the results, they may recommend custom orthotics, provide advice on correcting your gait, and recommend exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shin.
Prevention tips:
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Gradually increase your training load
- Perform strength training exercises for your lower legs
6. Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia causes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. It often affects athletes involved in high-impact sports, especially those requiring a lot of running and jumping.
A podiatrist may address metatarsalgia with custom orthotics in an effort to provide additional cushioning for the ball of the foot. They may also advise you on proper footwear and provide exercises aimed towards reducing pressure on the area.
Prevention tips:
- Wear shoes with proper support
- Avoid excessive impact exercises
7. Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis involves inflammation of the small bones known as semasoids beneath the big toe. These are particularly prone to injury in sports that place pressure on the forefoot, such as ballet, running, and basketball.
A podiatrist may advise you to rest, or recommend treatments such as physiotherapy, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Prevention tips:
- Wear shoes with proper forefoot support
- Ensure proper foot alignment
8. Sever’s disease
Sever’s disease affects children whose growth plate in their heel is still growing. It typically occurs due to overuse and repetitive stress, and is particularly common during growth spurts.
A podiatrist typically addresses Sever’s disease by recommending the RICE technique along with stretching exercises in an effort to reduce pain and inflammation. They may also recommend custom orthotics to support the feet and lower legs as the child grows.
Prevention tips:
- Manage activity levels
- Wear supportive footwear
- Perform regular stretching exercises
Sports Injury Keeping You Down?
While no sports injury is completely unavoidable, there are ways you may be able to reduce your risk. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist, such as our team at Foot Health Clinic, aim to ensure that any biomechanical issues or early signs of injury are addressed before they escalate. Ready to find out more? Book an appointment today!
