Common Foot Injuries in Sports

Achilles Tendinitis:
Achilles tendinitis affects the Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the body, due to overuse and degeneration over time. It occurs when the plantar fascia, supporting the foot's arch, undergoes excessive stress, leading to inflammation and pain near the heel. Rest, ice, physical therapy, and proper footwear are effective treatments.

Stress Fractures:

Common among athletes like runners, basketball players, and dancers, stress fractures are minor cracks in bones caused by repetitive stress. They often occur in the second and third metatarsals due to repeated impact on the feet and ankles. Proper conditioning, equipment, and skill level are essential for prevention.

Ankle Sprain:

Ankle sprains result from twisting the foot, causing damage to ankle ligaments. Inversion sprains, caused by inward foot twisting, are the most common and damage outer ligaments. Eversion sprains, from outward foot twisting, can lead to more severe injuries to inner ligaments.

Neuroma:

Neuroma is characterized by a pinched nerve in the foot, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling, particularly between the toes. Contributing factors include flat feet, high arches, overuse, improper footwear, and trauma. Treatment options include supportive footwear, orthotic inserts, and corticosteroid injections.

Heel Spur:

A heel spur is a calcium deposit on the heel bone, causing a bony protrusion. It often develops due to factors like flat feet, high arches, running on hard surfaces, improper footwear, obesity, age, and diabetes. Non-surgical treatment involves physical therapy, heel stretching exercises, and supportive footwear like DrLuigi medical footwear.