Soccer, a dynamic sport demanding agility and skill, often comes with its share of foot and ankle injuries, falling into acute and cumulative categories. Acute injuries, stemming from falls or player collisions, can be traumatic. Conversely, cumulative injuries result from repetitive stress, causing progressive aches and impairments. Soccer players frequently encounter lateral ankle sprains, occurring when kicking with the top of the foot, and medial ankle sprains from toe-out movements with the foot flexed upward. The chronic Achilles tendonitis, felt as pain in the back of the ankle, is a consequence of soccer's repetitive and sudden movements. A more severe injury, an Achilles tendon rupture, involves a partial or complete tear with an audible popping sound, often happening during fast, explosive actions on the field. Stress fractures, prevalent among soccer players, arise from overuse or repeated impacts, leading to bone bruising or slight cracking. These injuries often trace back to overuse, poor conditioning, or insufficient warm-ups. It is suggested that if you or your child incur foot and ankle injuries from playing soccer, you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with the foot specialists from Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
- Broken Foot
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Stress Fractures
- Turf Toe
Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.
Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.