With football season officially underway, it’s time to review some of the common injuries that occur on the field. Despite the best efforts of coaches and athletes to maintain a rigorous training and strengthening program, the high impact nature of the sport often results in unexpected injuries, most especially to the feet and ankles.
Some common football related injuries include:
- Fractures—The staggering forces that football players encounter during collisions can result in broken bones. Stress fractures also occur due to all the repetitive pressure on the bones. These small cracks often occur in the metatarsal bones of the feet where a sudden display of force can cause the bone to completely break.
- Plantar fasciitis—The connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot is a shock absorber for all the stress encountered by your feet. All the running and jumping during a game can cause this tissue, the plantar fascia, to become inflamed, irritated, or even torn, often causing extreme pain and swelling in the heel area where it connects to the bone.
- Turf toe—This is a sprain of the big toe joint that more frequently occurs in athletes who play on an artificial turf, although it can happen on any surface. The constant stopping and starting and changing direction that occurs in football puts excessive stress on the big toe joint which can lead to stiffness, swelling, and pain.
- Ankle sprains—When the ligaments and tendons that support the ankle joint are stressed by all the running, jumping, and colliding that occurs in football, an ankle strain or sprain can result.
A severe sprain or injury needs professional attention from your foot doctor to ensure a full and proper recovery. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX, is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions, to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.