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Sports Foot Injury
An athlete’s feet are under a lot of stress, making them especially susceptible to injury. When athletes push their bodies to perform, they put pressure on the feet. From training to competing, people who actively participate in athletic activity are constantly putting themselves at risk for injury. At our office, we aim to treat sports foot injuries as quickly and efficiently as possible, helping athletes to recover and return to their usual activities in as little time as possible.
Did you know that the feet must sustain up to 20 times a person’s body weight during certain sports activities? Perhaps that is why approximately 25 percent of all sports-related injuries involve either the foot or ankle. Nearly all sports and activities increase the risk of foot and ankle injuries, including:
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Dance
- Cheerleading
- Soccer
- Track and field races
- Weight lifting
- Wrestling
Lisfranc Ligament Injuries
The Lisfranc joint or tarsometatarsal joint refers to the region in the middle of the foot. It is a junction between the tarsal bones (bones in the foot arch) and metatarsal bones (five long bones in the foot). Lisfranc fractures can occur due to a fall from a height, traumatic accident or sports injury.
A midfoot fracture is characterized by pain and inability to bear weight. The appearance of bruises and swelling on the bottom of the midfoot are commonly observed symptoms.
Your doctor will first examine the physical condition of the foot by inspection and palpation, then order X-rays, CT or MRI scans to obtain more information about your injury.
The early stages of injury can be treated with rest, application of ice, elevation of your foot, NSAIDs, and immobilization. The bones may be surgically aligned in the correct position and held with screws and pins, or a tarsometatarsal joint fusion may be recommended if all the nonsurgical procedures fail to show efficacy in treating the injury.
Lisfranc Ligament Injuries
The Lisfranc joint or tarsometatarsal joint refers to the region in the middle of the foot. It is a junction between the tarsal bones (bones in the foot arch) and metatarsal bones (five long bones in the foot). Lisfranc fractures can occur due to a fall from a height or a traumatic motor vehicle accident.
A midfoot fracture is characterized by pain and inability to bear weight. The appearance of bruises and swelling on the bottom of the midfoot are commonly observed symptoms.
Your doctor will first examine the physical condition of the foot by inspection and palpation, then order X-rays, CT or MRI scans to obtain more information about your injury.
The early stages of injury can be treated with rest, application of ice, elevation of your foot, NSAIDs, and immobilization. The bones may be surgically aligned in the correct position and held with screws and pins, or a tarsometatarsal joint fusion may be recommended if all the nonsurgical procedures fail to show efficacy in treating the injury.
Sports Foot Injury
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most common foot injuries found in athletes?
Athletes can injure any part of their feet though certain types of injuries are more prevalent than others. Examples include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Sprains
- Strains
- Overuse injuries
How do I know if I have a foot injury?
Some sports-related foot injuries are obvious and occur suddenly. Others may develop gradually over time, progressively affecting your ability to train or compete comfortable and effectively. Signs of a sports-related foot injury include pain and swelling, as well as problems with mobility. If you notice any of these symptoms or have difficulty applying pressure to your foot or ankle, contact our podiatry office for an examination.
What types of treatments are available to sports foot injuries?
Sports foot injury treatment depends on how the injury is affecting the bones, joints and soft tissues. In many cases, treatments are non-invasive. This may include immobilization or the use of foot orthotics. Some people may benefit from anti-inflammatory treatments and in rare cases, surgical intervention.It is important that you facilitate recovery by allowing plenty of time for your injury to heal. Returning to sports too soon may worsen foot traumas, leading to an even longer treatment and recovery process.
