Playing sports is a good way of maintaining good health. However, participants are likely to suffer from one form of injury to another, regardless of their age. This is especially true for professional athletes. Foot and head injuries are some of the most common injuries recorded in emergency rooms worldwide. While head injuries may take some time to manifest, foot injuries present themselves almost instantaneously. If ignored, they can cause long-term irreparable damage.
Mod Pod Sports Podiatry is a reputable Australian-based clinic that is dedicated to diagnosing and treatment of foot and ankle disorders. Here are three common foot injuries being treated by the professionals at Mod Pod.
- Plantar Fasciitis
Commonly known as heel pain, Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of pain in the heel region. Particularly, it is the most common foot injury among runners. Heel pain occurs when there is an inflammation on the tissue that connects the toes with the heel bone. Athletes who suffer from heel pain feel a sharp stabbing pain when they take their first step in the morning but the pain reduces as they continue to walk. However, the pain resumes when they begin running and gets worse from there.
Prevention
- Relax – Avoid prolonged strenuous activities. Learn to take breaks by taking the weight off your feet. Built-up tension on your feet can cause the Plantar tendon to pull while running or walking.
- Avoid landing on your heel – Learn how to land with you midfoot to avoid putting excessive pressure on your heel.
- Stretch gently after training.
- Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles Tendinopathy, much like heel pain, occurs when there is an inflammation on the Achilles tendon, which is located around the Achilles heels, behind the lower leg. Common symptoms include swelling and pain while walking. Common causes include overtraining, running with worn-out shoes, and excessive pronation.
Prevention
- Replace running shoes after every 250 miles.
- Cross-train – alternate your training every few days to reduce over stressing the Achilles tendon.
- Strengthen your calf muscles with targeted workouts.
- Bunions
Also called Old Lady Toe, Bunions is a very common foot injury that athletes suffer from. Bunions occur when the big toe bends at the joint, causing constant uncomfortable pain. It could lead to arthritis if not treated. While it is possible to inherit Bunions from your parents, it can be caused by leaving a foot injury untreated. It is also caused by wearing shoes that are either too tight or too narrow at the toe region.
Prevention
- Choose comfortable fitted shoes that are appropriate for your sport.
- If inherited, keep track of the shape of your feet. Bunions can sometimes grow slowly over time.
Foot injuries should be treated immediately to prevent any complications that could potentially ruin a sports career. The professionals at Mod Pod use PodPhysio, a combination of podiatry and physiotherapy, to help athletes in the treatment of common foot injuries as fast as possible. Book a consultation today and get up to $25 off your first session.