3 Common Foot Injuries in Athletes

Not only does the foot absorb shock when we walk, run, jump, and squat, but it also serves as a rigid surface that can endure and recover from constant wear and tear. While the bones and muscles of the foot are resilient to damage, high stress during athletic participation can cause dysfunction and imbalances. Accordingly, athletes are often very susceptible to foot injuries. Here is some information about three common foot injuries in athletes.

Turf Toe

Turf toe is a foot injury that occurs due to constant hyperextension of the hallux, or the big toe. This foot condition is frequently seen in athletes who wear flexible and light shoes, such as Nanos and Inov8s. Movements that involve forced hypertension of the big toe are also a common cause of turf toe. Double unders, triple extension, and box jumps are some examples of such movements. Symptoms of turf toe include tenderness and pain at the hallux joint. Athletes can use taping techniques and ice to alleviate pain and speed up the healing process.

Bunions

Bunions are one of the most common foot injuries encountered by all people, not just athletes. Usually, athletes who develop bunions often rely on bones and ligaments instead of the muscles to support the foot. This causes the arch to collapse and push off to occur in the big toe, leading to bunions. Common symptoms of bunions include pain and tenderness within the big toe. Angulation of the big toe is also a sign of a bunion.

Stress Fractures

Athletes who overtrain and have a poor diet are prone to stress fractures. Usually, stress fractures occur in the second and third toes. Symptoms of stress fractures include tenderness, pain, and moderate swelling. Pain usually increases with weight bearing and loading. Rest and ice will help manage stress fractures. However, in severe cases, casting may be necessary.

Athletes are often very susceptible to foot injuries due to the amount of stress inflicted on the feet during athletic participation. For more information about common foot injuries in athletes, don’t hesitate to contact Southwest Foot & Ankle Center at 972-318-2738 in Lewisville, 972-805-9985 in Plano or 972-318-2655 for an appointment in Irving.