Injuries to the Foot

Foot and ankle problems are among the most common health concerns in the US ¾ of Americans will experience a foot injury/problem in their life Facts Podiatry is the study of feet 150 lb person runs 3 miles – each foot will have an impact of 150 tons Without athletic stress – foot problems contribute to problems in the knees, hips, and lower back Healthy feet are critical to a successful fitness program

Ankle Sprains Sprains are the most common reason people visit the Orthopedic Dr and the ER 45% of basketball injuries are the ankle 80% of ankle sprains are from excessive inversion Most common is the talo-fibular ligament Least common – eversion because the deltoid ligament is so strong

Degrees of an ankle sprain 1st Degree: Ligament is stretched Minor discomfort Point tenderness Little or no swelling No abnormal movement

2nd Degree: Part of ligament is torn Pain & Swelling Loss of function Abnormal movement of joint 3rd Degree: Completely torn Joint instable Extreme pain no pain at all (nerve damage) Rapid swelling Possible fracture accompanies it

Treatment: PRICE Splint, tape, or brace will protect from further injury If it causes pain – DON’T do it Ice A LOT for the 1st 24 hours Compression bandage

Rehabilitation Range of Motion exercises Stretch muscles Strength muscles

Arch Sprain The arch contributes to balance, movement, support, and shock absorption All 3 arches can be sprained If arch is weak – it can’t absorb the shock The following can lead to arch problems: Overuse Overweight Fatigue Training on hard surfaces Poor shoes

Signs/Symptoms Treatment Pain when bearing weight Bruising/swelling on top of foot Treatment ICE Support

Blisters Can occur on any part of body with friction Most common on feet As layers of skin rub together, friction causes separation between the layers Body responds with fluid Fluid creates pressure on nerves (pain) It it breaks – now its an open wound and susceptible to infection Do NOT ignore This minor injury remove from your sports

Putting a bandaid on it doesn’t work Treatment The goal is to: Relieve Pain Keep from getting bigger Avoid infection Do not remove skin unless its flapping Putting a bandaid on it doesn’t work Create a raised surface around blister

Turf Toe Definition: hyperextension of big toe Sprain the metatarsophalangeal ligament Big Toe is very important for balance, movement and speed

Treatment PRICE X-ray to rule out fractures

Plantar Fasciitis Plantar Fascia – ligament that connect heel to toes Supports the arch Can be strained by: Overuse Unsupportive footwear Tight Achilles tendon Running on hard surfaces Chronic irritation Long distance runners Basketball/volleyball from jumping and landing

Experience pain from bottom of foot to the heel IF untreated: Bone imbalance, heel spurs, muscle strains, and shin splints Treatment: Correct your training errors Ice and massage Wear correct shoes Add cushion or inserts to shoes

Heel Spur Definition: bony growth on calcaneus causing inflammatory response in soft tissue Signs/Symptoms: pain Treatment: Tape Arch or use supports Anti-inflammatory Possible surgery

Heel Bruise The heel consists of ligaments, tendons, and fat pads All subject to stress and injury Definition: Contusion on the heel bone Can be very disabling Treatment ICE

Fractures Immediately impair the ability to perform competitively Sign/symptoms: Pain – point tender Bruising Swelling Can’t bear weight (unless its fibula) Treatment Ice and seek a doctor

Ingrown toenail Definition: nail has grown into skin of toe Causes Leads to pain and/or infection Causes Shoes to tight Toenails clipped incorrectly Treatment Soak foot in warm epson salt solution multiple times a day Cut it out

Athlete’s Foot Definition: fungal infection of the foot Very contagious Signs/Symptoms Extreme itching, blisters, rash Treatment OTC antifungal creams