Sports injuries of the foot and ankle are the most common problem for those who are active in sports, particularly tennis, running, basketball, football, soccer, and others. Injuries are caused by significant loads on the feet, as a result of quick turns, sudden movements and sudden stops, which is characteristic of such sports. As a result - a violation of the musculoskeletal functions of the foot and ankle, which is manifested by ligament injuries, sprains and inflammation of tendons with quite painful symptoms.
For example, Achilles tendon or calcaneal pain often occurs in those who misdistribute the load when running or jumping. Running and sudden changes in direction can lead to pain on the outside of the foot, which is the result of overstretching and micro-tears of the ligaments.
Types of Sports Injuries
There are several common types of sports injuries that are common to those involved in action sports.
Foot Sprains
The most common injury among athletes. It is accompanied by pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Ligament sprains can range in severity from minor injuries to complete ligament tears.
Achilles tendon injuries
The Achilles tendon is responsible for the mobility and stability of the foot when walking and running. When it is injured, patients complain of pain in the back of the foot, especially after physical activity. In advanced cases, the Achilles tendon may rupture.
Heel pain, or heel spur
Often seen in runners and soccer players. It is manifested by inflammation and soreness in the heel area. Heel pain can occur both at rest and on exertion, limiting mobility and causing discomfort.
Causes of Sports Injuries
To prevent foot and ankle injuries and keep your feet healthy, you need to know the causes of foot and ankle injuries. There are many factors that contribute to injuries in sports.
- Overloading during running: the most common cause of foot pain is increased stress on the foot during prolonged or intense running. This leads to tissue inflammation and microtrauma to ligaments and tendons.
- Wrong shoes: sports shoes should provide adequate support, cushioning and fixation of the foot. The use of inappropriate or worn shoes increases the risk of injury, manifested by heel and Achilles tendon pain.
- Repetitive movements: common in many sports and can lead to chronic injuries. Frequent sharp turns, jumps, and stops, as in soccer and tennis, cause excessive stress in the feet and ankles, which over time leads to ligament injuries, external foot pain, and other injuries. Constant repetition of the same movement without rest can cause chronic inflammatory reactions to develop.
Keep in mind that proper equipment selection, regular warm-ups and load control will help minimize the risk of injury.
Symptoms and Signs
Signs of foot and ankle injuries are manifested by a number of characteristic symptoms. To prevent possible complications, it is important to recognize them in the early stages of manifestation.
The main signs are
- Foot Pain: can occur during physical activity as well as at rest. Runners often have pain in the forefoot, heel, or outer edge of the foot. The pain may be dull, constant or sharp, increasing with movement.
- Swelling: a frequent companion of sports injuries, especially with ligament sprains or Achilles tendon injuries. Inflammation of the tissue leads to fluid buildup, which causes swelling in the area of injury. The swelling can limit the mobility of the foot and cause a feeling of heaviness and pressure.
- Discomfort when walking or running: manifested by a feeling of weakness in the foot, inability to fully support the foot and impaired coordination. These symptoms are especially pronounced in case of ligament and tendon injuries, when any movement causes pain and discomfort.
- Heel and Achilles tendon pain: acute pain in the heel or Achilles tendon may occur immediately after physical activity or may increase gradually. Patients often experience heel pain when walking or after prolonged rest.
- Limited mobility: a sign of serious injury. Limited mobility in the joints of the foot and ankle, which makes it difficult to perform everyday activities such as climbing stairs or walking.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Diagnostics: Understanding the Condition
Correct and timely diagnosis of sports injuries of the foot and ankle is a guarantee of successful treatment and recovery. Diagnosis includes a number of stages of examination.
Physical examination
Assessment of the condition of the foot and ankle, checking for swelling, redness and other visible signs of damage. The doctor can perform joint mobility tests and assess the degree of pain with movement, which helps to identify ligament sprains and inflammation of the Achilles tendon.
Medical imaging techniques are used to make a more accurate diagnosis.
X-ray: needed to rule out fractures and cracks in the bones of the foot and ankle, identifying bone damage that may be hidden by swelling or pain.
MRI: provides detailed images of ligaments, tendons and muscles - to rule out or confirm Achilles tendon injuries, sprains and ligament tears, and to assess the degree of inflammation.
Ultrasound: helps the doctor to see the condition of the tissue in real time and determine the presence of inflammation or tear.
Diagnostic results help to identify the exact cause of pain and develop a personalized treatment plan for each specific case.
Treatment Options for Sports Injuries
Treatment of sports injuries of the foot and ankle depends on the severity of the injury and individual characteristics of the patient. A competent approach to treatment helps to recover quickly and avoid complications.
- Rest and immobilization: reduce inflammation and prevent further deterioration. Fixation of the foot or ankle with orthotics, bandages or plaster bandages helps to protect the injured tissues from additional stress and accelerates the healing process.
- Ice and compression: in acute injuries such as ligament sprains or Achilles tendon pain, cold compresses are recommended to reduce swelling and pain. Additionally, an elastic bandage may be used to create compression to help reduce swelling and stabilize the joint.
- Medication: NSAIDs are prescribed to reduce swelling and pain, especially in the acute period after injury. In chronic pain or inflammation (heel spurs or chronic Achilles tendonitis), corticosteroid injections are prescribed.
- Physical Therapy: an individualized set of exercises helps to restore mobility, strengthen muscles and improve coordination. A physical therapist can work with the patient to adjust gait and running technique to prevent re-injury.
In more serious cases, when conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary. In cases of a complete rupture of the Achilles tendon or severe ligament damage, surgical intervention can help restore anatomical integrity and function to the foot.
Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic offers a comprehensive approach to treating sports injuries. Our specialists, led by experienced podiatric surgeon Dr. Alex Yanovskiy, DPM, are ready to offer an individualized treatment plan for foot and ankle injuries and return athletes to activity without pain and discomfort.