Field hockey is a fantastic way for your child to stay active, learn about teamwork, and develop their athletic skills. But with the sport comes the risk of several kinds of injuries, especially to the feet and ankles. If your child experiences one of them, a podiatrist can help with the healing process. Here are a few of the most common foot injuries found in field hockey players.

4 of Field Hockey’s Most Frequent Foot Injuries

1. Inversion Ankle Sprains

These types of sprains, also known as rolling your ankle, occur when there is excessive trauma to the lateral, or outside, ligaments of your ankle. Children can experience a grade I, II, or III sprain, with I being mild pain and swelling, and III being a rupture. 

If a sprain goes untreated, or your child experiences the same injury repeatedly, it can lead to fractures or permanent ligament damage. Wrapping the ankles or wearing braces can help reduce the risk of injury.

2. Plantar Fasciitis 

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, or the thick band of tissue in the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes (plantar fascia). This foot injury causes sharp pain in the heel when your child takes their first steps in the morning or after they exercise. The most common treatments for this injury are a consistent regimen of stretching, resting, and icing your foot.

3. Calluses & Ingrown Toenails

Ill-fitted shoes paired with high amounts of pressure and friction while playing field hockey create the perfect conditions for calluses and ingrown toenails. Calluses are thick build-ups of dead skin on the bottom of the feet, while ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the skin. 

If the skin on the side of your child’s toe is red, inflamed, and painful to touch, they are most likely experiencing an ingrown toenail. Each is uncomfortable but can be easily treated by a podiatrist. To prevent them from occurring again, make sure your child is wearing the properly sized shoe and regularly soaking their feet.

4. Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It often occurs if your child is wearing the wrong footwear or has recently increased how much they practice field hockey. Stretching and enough resting are the best ways to prevent Achilles tendonitis.

If your child is experiencing foot pain and discomfort, bring them to Dr. Eric D. Trattner. With over 30 years of professional experience, his clinic in Cleveland, OH, is here to provide the best possible care for a wide variety of foot injuries and conditions. Call (440) 333-5350 to schedule a free consultation with the podiatrist or visit the website for more information.