If you watch sports of any kind, you know how common injuries to the foot and ankle can be. Players can be out just one game with a minor injury, or they can be out whole seasons with major, serious injuries. You use your feet and ankles in every sport to run, jump, and much more. They take you where you need to go! Podiatrists treat athletes of all kinds and recommend the best course of treatment so they can return to their sport the quickest, but in the healthiest and safest condition. Sports injuries are treated in our six offices: Rocky Hill CT, Bristol CT, Newington CT, Glastonbury CT, Middletown CT, and Kensington CT. Our four podiatrists Dr. Jeffrey S. Kahn, Dr. Richard E. Ehle, Dr. Craig M. Kaufman, and Dr. Ayman M. Latif are highly trained in treating sports injuries.
Baseball Injuries to the Foot and Ankle
Your feet and ankles take a beating when you’re playing baseball. Baseball players should be aware of the following risks.
- Ankle sprains may occur while running, fielding balls, stepping on or sliding into bases. Sprains should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon to determine the extent of injury, including possible peroneal tendon injuries or fractures . The foot and ankle surgeon will develop a treatment plan: failure to fully treat and rehabilitate a sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability and recurrent sprains .
- Overuse or excessive training may sideline some athletes with Achilles tendinopathy or heel pain (often plantar fasiciitis , or calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents).
- Contusions may occur from impact with the ball or contact with other players.
- Cleats may pose challenges in the forefoot and aggravation of neuromas , sesamoids , bunions , and hammertoes . To stay at the top of your game, ensure that cleats are fitted properly and have injuries evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon.
Basketball Injuries to the Foot and Ankle
Feet and ankles take a beating in basketball! Injuries can occur from running, jumping, cutting, quick starts and stops, and direct contact with other players. Basketball players should be aware of the following:
- Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries , fractures , and chronic ankle instability .
- Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis) , Achilles tendonitis , sesamoiditis , stress fractures , posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD) , and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.
Field Hockey Injuries to the Foot and Ankle
The running and side to side cutting in field hockey are common causes of injuries to the foot and ankle. Field hockey players should be aware of the following risks:
- Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures .
- Ankle fractures , metatarsal fractures , and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
- Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis) , Achilles tendonitis , sesamoiditis , stress fractures , posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD) , and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.
Football Injuries to the Foot and Ankle
Football players can receive injuries to the foot and ankle due to running, side to side cutting, or from direct trauma, such as from another player during a tackle. They should be aware of the following risks:
- Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures .
- Ankle fractures , metatarsal fractures , and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
- Contusions and bone bruises may also result from high impact during tackling.
- Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis) , Achilles tendonitis , sesamoiditis , stress fractures , posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD) , and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.
Golf Injuries to the Foot and Ankle
Although golf doesn’t involve running or jumping, injuries do occur to the foot and ankle. Golfers should be aware of the following risks:
- Heel pain (or plantar fasciitis) can be exacerbated by excessive walking on the golf course.
- The golf swing can also place stress upon the feet and ankles. Common complaints are especially noted to the ball of the foot that pivots to help drive the golf club through the swing. The stress on the ball of the foot can cause capsulitis of the second toe , neuromas , and increased pain in the great toe joint (often hallux rigidus ).
Lacrosse Injuries to the Foot and Ankle
The running and side to side cutting in lacrosse are common causes of injuries to the foot and ankle. Lacrosse players should be aware of the following risks:
- Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures .
- Ankle fractures , metatarsal fractures , and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
- Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis) , Achilles tendonitis , sesamoiditis , stress fractures , posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD) , and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.
Rugby Injuries to the Foot and Ankle
Rugby is hard on the feet and ankles! Injuries can occur from running and cutting, direct trauma during tackling, and during the scrum. Rugby players should be aware of the following risks:
- Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures .