Sports Foot & Ankle Injuries

Sports and sports training can cause injuries to the feet due to impact, sudden movements, repetitive motions, overuse, and constrictive footwear.

Running, walking, and impact aerobic exercise or activities can be particularly jarring to the feet. Aerobic impacts can result in forces of up to six times the force of gravity; these impacts commonly cause injury and trauma to bones in the feet and ankles. Wearing the proper sneakers is a top precaution to guard against foot and ankle injuries. Sneakers should fit properly, minimize lateral instability, and have cushion and support to absorb shock and reduce pressure. Stretching prior to and after activity is also key to keeping injuries at bay.

Sports such as baseball, football, soccer, field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse frequently involve tough competition on hard surfaces or artificial fields. Participating athletes all too often wear improper sneakers or cleats and do not stretch nearly enough before and after games, practices, and workouts. These conditions can lead to foot and ankle injuries.

The motions of martial arts and kickboxing can cause conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, sesamoiditis, and ankle sprains, all of which can be minimized by proper stretching for at least 15 minutes prior to starting activity.