Whether you’re sprinting, jumping, or pivoting, foot injuries in sports are common and can sideline athletes for weeks or even months. Understanding these injuries and how to prevent them is key to staying in the game.
At Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Greater Columbus, we specialize in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle injuries to keep athletes performing at their best. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Visiting an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t mean that surgery is necessary. Our orthopedic doctors always prefer to use non-surgical procedures to treat injuries.
“Surgery and recovery going as expected. Staff and scheduling are very accommodating. So far so good 👍.” — Korrina D.
Your feet are the foundation of movement in sports. They absorb shock, provide stability, and allow for quick changes in direction. With 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 tendons, ligaments, and muscles, the foot is designed for both power and flexibility.
However, the high-impact nature of many sports—such as basketball, soccer, and running—places repeated stress on these structures, making foot and ankle injuries a frequent occurrence.
From stress fractures to ankle sprains, athletes are at higher risk of sustaining foot injuries due to the demands of their sport. Factors such as improper footwear, tight calf muscles, and repeated stress can further increase the likelihood of injury.
Some of the most common foot injuries in sports affect the bones, ligaments, and tendons. These include:
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear, often due to sudden twisting or rolling of the foot. Inversion ankle sprains are the most common, where the foot rolls inward, causing damage to the outside ankle ligaments.
Tiny cracks in the bones, known as stress fractures, result from repetitive stress rather than a single traumatic event. Runners and athletes in high-impact sports often experience foot and ankle stress fractures in the navicular bone and metatarsal bones.
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. Overuse or sudden increases in activity can lead to Achilles tendonitis and inflammation of the tendon. Sudden forceful injuries can cause Achilles tendon ruptures, where the tendon becomes partially or completely torn away from the heel bone.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch. It often results in heel pain, especially in the morning or after prolonged activity. Heel stretching exercises and proper footwear can help relieve pain and prevent further issues.
Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe joint caused by excessive bending or repeated stress. It’s common in athletes who play on artificial turf or frequently push off forcefully with their toes.
While foot and ankle injuries can’t always be avoided, taking preventive measures can reduce the risk.
At Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center, we offer expert guidance on injury prevention and customized treatment plans to keep athletes at their peak performance.
If you experience foot injuries, early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term complications. Common treatment options include:
Ignoring warning signs like persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty bearing weight can lead to more serious related foot injuries. If you’ve sustained an injury, seeking professional care is essential for a full recovery.
If you’re struggling with a sports injury or want to improve your foot health, Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center is here to help. Our specialists provide advanced care for common injuries, from ankle sprains to Achilles tendon injuries. Don’t let foot and ankle injuries keep you off the field—contact us today for an expert evaluation and treatment plan!
Medically reviewed by Roberto A. Brandão, DPM, FACFAS
