Sports Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

From the repeated pounding that runners’ feet receive on paved surfaces to the side-to-side motion seen in court sports, there’s no question that athletes’ feet and ankles are prime candidates for injuries. Our comprehensive list of sports injuries to the foot and ankle indicates types that may occur in the sport you play. Whether you participate in sports regularly or are just a “weekend warrior,” be on the lookout for some of these common problems:

Ankle sprains—

These are one of the most common sports injuries. Prompt evaluation and treatment by a foot and ankle surgeon is important because sometimes that “sprain” is actually an ankle fracture, and treatment for these two conditions are very different. A critical component to recover is proper rehabilitation. An ankle that has not been properly healed and strengthened is more likely to suffer repeated sprains, leading to chronic ankle instability.
Achilles tendon disorders—Athletes are at high risk for developing disorders of the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendon that runs down the back of the lower leg, can progress into a degeneration of the tendon (Achilles tendonosis). A sudden increase of a repetitive activity, leading to micro-injury of the tendon fibers, can cause these conditions. In addition to repetitive trauma, high-impact sports, such as basketball, can lead to tears and even ruptures of the Achilles tendon. These conditions should be followed by a foot and ankle surgeon.

Heel pain—

This condition is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, although other things, such as stress fractures or nerve injuries, can be to blame. While faulty foot structure is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis, it can also result from wearing shoes that are worn out or are not designed for the sport in which you’re participating. Proper stretching of the Achilles tendon can help get rid of this pain, but continued pain should be checked out to rule out a fracture or other cause.

Morton’s neuroma—

Also called “intermetatarsal neuroma,” this is a thickening of nerve tissue in the ball of the foot resulting from compression and irritation of the nerve. Causes include activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running or court sports. Symptoms start gradually and may come and go when the nerve is irritated due to activity. It is important to have it treated early on before the damage becomes more severe.

Stress fracture—

This is an incomplete break in a bone often due to repetitive activity on a bone. Stress fractures tend to occur when you start a new exercise regimen or get back to an old one after taking time off. Many factors such as the frequency and duration of activity, faulty foot structure, poor footwear and type of surface can contribute to the development of a stress fracture. Pain, bruising and redness can all present when this occurs, and rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) protocol should be started followed by a visit to your local foot and ankle surgeon.

If you experience the unfortunate circumstance of a sports related foot and ankle injury turn to Next Step Foot and Ankle Clinic to book a same day or next day appointment. We’ll have you back on the court or field in no time!

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Sports Injuries to the Foot and Ankle by Sport

Baseball Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Your feet and ankles take a beating when you’re playing baseball. Baseball players should be aware of the following risks.
Ankle sprains may occur while running, fielding balls, stepping on or sliding into bases. Sprains should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon to determine the extent of injury, including possible peroneal tendon injuries or fractures. The foot and ankle surgeon will develop a treatment plan: failure to fully treat and rehabilitate a sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability and recurrent sprains.
Overuse or excessive training may sideline some athletes with Achilles tendinopathy or heel pain (often plantar fasiciitis, or calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents).
Contusions may occur from impact with the ball or contact with other players.
Cleats may pose challenges in the forefoot and aggravation of neuromas, sesamoids, bunions and hammertoes. To stay at the top of your game, ensure that cleats are fitted properly and have injuries evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon.
One of the most common injuries seen in pitchers and catchers is ingrown toenails. If the nails are cut too short or at an angle, the torque and demand on the toes as they help balance the foot can lead to ingrowing. If ignored, this can lead to a nail infection (paronychia) and cellulitis (a potentially serious bacterial skin infection).

Basketball Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Feet and ankles take a beating in basketball! Injuries can occur from running, jumping, cutting, quick starts and stops, and direct contact with other players. Basketball players should be aware of the following:
Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries, fractures, and chronic ankle instability.
Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD) and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.
One of the most common injuries is a Jones fractures, which is a fracture of the fifth metatarsal base. This can be due to the chronic impact of the ballistic activity, running and jumping, as well as the athlete’s foot structure.

Field Hockey Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

The running and side-to-side cutting in field hockey are common causes of injuries to the foot and ankle. Field hockey players should be aware of the following risks:
Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), calcaneal apophysitis and metatarsalgia/capsulitis in children and adolescents.

Football Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Football players can receive injuries to the foot and ankle due to running, side-to-side cutting or from direct trauma, such as from another player during a tackle. They should be aware of the following risks:
Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, Lisfranc fractures and turf toe can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
Contusions and bone bruises may also result from high impact during tackling.
Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD) and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.

Golf Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Although golf does not involve running or jumping, injuries can occur to the foot and ankle. Golfers should be aware of the following risks:
Heel pain (or plantar fasciitis) can be exacerbated by excessive walking on the golf course.
The golf swing can also place stress on the feet and ankles. Common complaints are especially noted to the ball of the foot that pivots to help drive the golf club through the swing. The stress on the ball of the foot can cause metatarsalgia, capsulitis of the second toe, neuromas, increased pain in the great toe joint (often hallux rigidus) and sesamoiditis.

Lacrosse Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

The running and side-to-side cutting in lacrosse are common causes of injuries to the foot and ankle. Lacrosse players should be aware of the following risks:
Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, Lisfranc fractures and turf toe can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD) and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.

Rugby Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Rugby is hard on the feet and ankles! Injuries can occur from running and cutting, direct trauma during tackling and during the scrum. Rugby players should be aware of the following risks:
Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
Contusions and bone bruises may also result from high impact during tackling.
Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD) and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.

Running and Track Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Whether an athlete is a recreational, competitive or elite runner, foot and ankle health is essential for optimal performance. Runners are susceptible to overuse injuries, including heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD) and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.
Evaluation by a foot and ankle surgeon will help the athlete determine the underlying cause of pain and the best course of treatment. Custom orthotic devices are often used for treatment of these conditions.

Soccer Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Soccer is hard on the feet! Injuries to the foot and ankle can occur from running and side-to-side cutting, sliding or tackling and from striking the ball or another player with the foot. Soccer players should be aware of the following risks:
Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
Contusions and bone bruises may also result from high impact, such as in slide tackling.
Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD) and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.

Softball Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Your feet and ankles take a beating when you are playing softball. Softball players should be aware of the following risks:
Ankle sprains may occur while running, fielding balls and stepping on or sliding into bases. Sprains should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon to determine the extent of injury, including possible peroneal tendon injuries or fractures. The foot and ankle surgeon will develop a treatment plan: failure to fully treat and rehabilitate a sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability and recurrent sprains.
Overuse or excessive training may sideline some athletes with Achilles tendinopathy or heel pain (often plantar fasciitis or calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents).
Contusions may occur from impact with the ball or contact with other players.
Cleats may pose challenges in the forefoot and aggravation of neuromas, sesamoids, bunions and hammertoes. To stay at the top of your game, ensure that cleats are fitted properly and have injuries evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon.

Tennis Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Tennis involves much foot work. Foot and ankle injuries can occur from the continuous side-to-side and quick stopping and starting motions required in this sport. The playing surface also plays a role, as hard courts are less forgiving compared to clay courts. Tennis players should be aware of the following risks:
Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD) and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.

Volleyball Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

The repetitive jumping and side-to-side movements required in volleyball increase the risk of injuries to the foot and ankle. Volleyball players should be aware of the following:
Inversion ankle sprains are a common injury in this sport. Ankle sprains should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon to determine the extent of the injury, including possible peroneal tendon injuries and fractures. The foot and ankle surgeon will develop a treatment plan: failure to fully treat and rehabilitate a sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability and recurrent sprains.
Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD) and calcaneal apophysitis and capsulitis/synovitis in children and adolescents.