What Are the Most Common Sports-Related Foot Injuries?

According to studies from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a quarter of athletic injuries affect the foot and ankle. Athletes who are involved in sports that require running and jumping are typically at higher risk. Today Dr. Brandon Holloway and Dr. Travis Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists are sharing information regarding the most common foot sports-related injuries they see in their office.

Plantar Fasciitis: This condition occurs when the band of tissues that support the arch of your foot is stressed. When they are stressed from activities like running, they become swollen, resulting in pain at the bottom of the heel.

Achilles Tendinitis: A common ankle and foot condition is Achilles tendinitis. This condition targets the Achilles tendon, which is the largest tendon in the body. It typically occurs due to sports-related overuse and wearing down with age and time.

Ankle Sprain: A sprained ankle can be moderate and cause minimal pain or it can be severe, which makes it painful or difficult to walk or stand.  Ankle sprains involve twisting of the foot, which causes damage to the ligaments of the ankle.

Stress Fractures: People who participate in sports such as basketball, tennis, gymnastics, and running are typically at an elevated risk for ankle and foot stress fractures due to the repetitive nature of the stress placed on their ankles and feet. Without proper equipment, technique, or conditioning, the mechanics of the ankle and foot can be disrupted, creating a stress fracture. 

Neuroma: Pain, tingling and numbness in the ball of your foot is often associated with a neuroma, which involves a pinched nerve in the foot that causes pain in between the toes when walking. And while there is not an exact cause for their development, many different things play a role in their development. These include feet with high arches or flat feet, stress or overuse, shoe style and size, and trauma.

Heel Spur: This is a calcium deposit that causes a bony protrusion to develop on the heel bone. People with either very high arches or flat feet are more prone to this condition.

Dr. Brandon Holloway and Dr. Travis Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists offer the most advanced ankle and foot care in the Amarillo, TX metropolitan area. They are dedicated to utilizing the latest techniques in foot care to advance your recovery. If you are experiencing these – or any other foot conditions – call our office today at (806) 322-3338 to schedule a consultation.