Whether they’re running, jumping, or kicking, feet play an incredibly important role in athletics. While they improve performance, they also endure wear and tear that increase the risk of sports injuries. If you’re an athlete, here are a few common sports-related foot injuries, as well as what a podiatrist can do to assist in recovery.

5 Common Ways Athletes Hurt Their Feet

1. Sprained Ankle

Rolling an ankle in an unusual direction can cause athletes to tear or stretch ligaments. The resulting sprained ankle may cause swelling, bruising, tenderness, and a limited range of motion. In most cases, resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the foot are the best ways to promote healing. However, if symptoms worsen or persist, a podiatrist may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the ankle.

2. Plantar Fasciitis

Common among runners, plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the tissue between the arch and heel becomes inflamed and develops a stubborn, recurrent pain. Apart from physical therapy, specialists often treat plantar fasciitis with custom orthotics and splints. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue or detach the inflamed tissue.

3. Heel Spur

Heel spurs—or calcium deposits along the heel bone—occur among those who run on hard surfaces. While symptoms don’t always appear, spurs can cause a pinprick pain in the heel if they become inflamed. Splints, footwear, and orthotics may be worn to gradually reduce heel spur aggravation. If the pain continues, podiatrists may need to surgically remove the spur.

4. Neuroma

A neuroma is a type of nerve inflammation or benign growth that triggers pain between the toes and numbness near the ball of the foot. Caused by repetitive stress, improper footwear, and physical trauma, it’s common among those who start and stop on their feet frequently—such as skiers and tennis athletes. Padding, taping, and custom orthotics are usually enough to correct the problem, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

5. Achilles Tendinitis  

Connecting the calf to the heel, the Achilles tendon helps support body mechanics whenever you jump, run, dive, or climb. Under repetitive stress, it can become inflamed and cause a painful condition known as Achilles tendinitis. If rest, therapeutic stretching, and custom orthotics aren’t enough to support recovery, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to lengthen or reduce the affected tendon.

Diagnosing and treating sports-related foot injuries for more than 20 years, St. Peters Foot & Ankle: Samuel T. Wood-DPM is a leading resource for athletes in the St. Charles County, MO, area. Whether you have a sprained ankle or mysterious heel pain, Dr. Wood will take a gentle and personalized approach to relieve pain, promote flexibility, and support proper recovery. To learn more about how this podiatrist can fortify your feet and enhance your athletic performance, visit the clinic online. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, call (314) 921-1020 to reach the Florissant office or (636) 720-0190 for the St. Peters location.