Common Sports Injuries Affecting the Feet and Ankles

Athletes can be at an increased risk for sustaining injuries to their feet and ankles. Many football players sustain an injury called turf toe, in which the plantar ligament and metatarsophalangeal joint of the toe are disrupted. This can cause joint instability, pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight and pushing off of the toe. Ankle sprains are extremely common among athletes and typically occur when the athlete “rolls” the ankle. This is caused by an overstretching or tearing of the ligaments that hold the ankle bones together. Ankle sprains vary in severity from mild to severe and can cause pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the affected ankle. Stress fractures are another common athletic injury, especially in runners. These occur when a small crack develops in a bone due to overuse. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, and aching at the site of injury. Left untreated, the stress fracture can progress to a full fracture or heal slowly. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while playing a sport, a chiropodist can help treat your injury and get you back on your feet.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

  • Achilles tendon injuries
  • Ankle strains or sprains
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Fractures
  • Turf toe
  • Joint dislocations
  • Sever’s disease
  • Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON

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What Is Cuboid Syndrome?

Cuboid syndrome is generally caused by an injury to the joint and ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone in the middle of the foot. This occurs when the cuboid bone moves down and out of alignment with the other (calcaneus) bone in the same joint. Cuboid syndrome is also known as cuboid subluxation, meaning one of the bones in a joint has moved, but not fully out of place. Symptoms often include pain on the outside of the foot that worsens when bearing weight, difficulty walking, swelling, a reduced range of motion in the foot and ankle, and sensitivity on the bottom of the foot. Cuboid syndrome usually results from overuse or injury. It tends to be common among athletes and dancers, although it can affect anyone. If you are experiencing any symptoms of cuboid syndrome it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joint and ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone in the foot become injured. If you think that you may have cuboid syndrome, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

The cuboid bone is one of the seven tarsal bones located in the foot. Cuboid syndrome develops when the cuboid bone moves down and out of alignment with the other bone (calcaneus bone) in the joint of the foot. Cuboid syndrome can be the result of a sudden injury like an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly over time from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures. 

Symptoms

The most common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain on the outside of the foot which may worsen with activity. 

Other possible symptoms include: 

  • Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
  • Swelling
  • Sensitivity on the bottom of the foot
  • Reduced range of motion  

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can diagnose cuboid syndrome based on your medical history and a physical examination of the foot. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, often fail to show the dislocated cuboid. 

Treatment

Treatment often includes resting, icing, compressing and elevating the affected foot, taping, wearing orthotic inserts, and taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain. The chiropodist may also be able to manipulate the dislocated bone back into alignment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON

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Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition in which the plantar fascia, a ligament that stretches along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. It is often caused by overuse or repeated impact on the heel, which occurs when we walk, run, or stand. The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp pain near the heel that is typically at its worst first thing in the morning or after exercising. Plantar fasciitis can be treated through activity modifications, wearing orthotics, and regularly stretching the feet. For more information about plantar fasciitis, please consult with a chiropodist today. 

Plantar fasciitis can be painful and interfere with your daily activities. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain and believe you may be afflicted with plantar fasciitis, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, can injure the plantar fascia over time. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by flat feet, high arches, pregnancy, and activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, like standing all day for work. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes pain and discomfort. 

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

  • Stabbing pain near the heel
  • Pain that is worst in the morning or after a period of rest
  • Pain that increases after exercising
  • Swelling
  • Tightness in the Achilles tendon

Diagnosis

Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed via medical history and physical examination. 

Treatment

Treatments for plantar fasciitis include resting and icing the affected foot, stretching the foot, taking medications to reduce inflammation, and wearing orthotics. In severe cases where pain does not improve with conservative treatments, injections or surgery may be recommended. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON

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