All types of athletes, even professional athletes, are at risk for sports related injuries. Feet and ankles are commonly injured during sports activities since the foot and ankle work together to provide mobility and support. Since the foot bears the weight of the entire body, it is under tremendous strain. In many athletic activities, the foot absorbs tremendous forces, sometimes reaching over twenty times the person’s body weight! Learn more about the symptoms and treatments for common foot and ankle injuries below.
Some of the most common sports injuries we see at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic include:
- Strains and sprains of the foot and ankle
- Pulled muscles
- Pain near or on the shin bone (Shin Splints)
- Achilles tendon injuries / Achilles tendinitis and/or ruptures
- Fractures/Dislocations of the toes, feet and ankles
- Stress Fractures
- Ball of foot pain / Planter plate ruptures of the second toe
Ankle injuries are classified by the type of tissue that is damaged. These tissues are either bone, tendon, or ligament tissues. Ankle injuries occur when the ankle joint is twisted out of its normal position. Fractures can often be mistake for sprain, and ankle injuries should be evaluated by a doctor. The signs include pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to bear weight on the injured joint.
Foot injuries are commonly caused by trauma. These include improper or rapid warm-ups, overuse, improper footwear, intense workouts, and playing on hard surfaces. The high stress placed on feet during athletic exercises can cause imbalances in the muscles that control foot movement, which can lead to biomechanical dysfunction.
Regardless of the types of sports injury, professional treatment should be sought. Allowing this type of injury to go unchecked can result in much more serious and extensive issues down the road. Also, if it heals improperly, more complications can arise when physical activity is restarted.
More information about sports injuries, when treatment should be sought and the importance of professional care can be found at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic. You can contact the doctors here by calling (425)482-6663.