Protecting and Maintaining Graceful Beautiful Summertime Feet

Common Podiatric Sports Injuries You Could Develop

28 March 2017

Wallace Howell

Whether you are taking part in sports activities competitively or are looking to get fit by engaging in exercise, there is always the risk of injury. The chances of becoming injured will also depend on the type of activity that you engage in as well as if your overall health. Here are some of the more common sports injuries that would require the attention of a podiatrist.

A shin splint

You become susceptible to developing a shin splint if you have been overusing your legs. This condition tends to be common in those who run a lot or who have over pronation of the foot.

The first symptom of a shin splint is pain that is radiating from the front side of the leg, where the shin is located. If unattended, the pain can spread to the inside area of the leg as well as the lower part of the leg.

To prevent the risk of a shin splint, it is essential that you engage in the appropriate pre-workout exercises so that your legs are limber. Moreover, it is also important to invest in the right running shoes that would provide you with the support you need. Once the podiatrist diagnoses a shin splint, they will typically recommend routine cold compresses coupled with an anti-inflammatory painkiller.

Achilles heel

This condition is medically referred to as Achilles tendinitis. It comes about due to excessive use of your Achilles tendon, which inevitably leads to inflammation.

Early onset symptoms of Achilles tendinitis will manifest as a throbbing pain at the point between the calf and the heel. If not attended to, you may find it difficult to walk, as any pressure applied to the affected leg would cause sharp pain.

Luckily, treating Achilles tendinitis is not complicated. Other than ensuring that you get sufficient rest, you could also make use of hot and cold compresses to combat the swelling as well as the throbbing pain.

Heel pain

This type of podiatric ailment is clinically referred to as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a tendon that is located at the bottom of your foot. When you overextend your feet, you stand the chance of developing this condition. Plantar fasciitis is also known to commonly affect flat-footed individuals when they engage in strenuous activity without appropriate foot support.

To prevent plantar fasciitis, it would be best to purchase shoes that specifically provide sufficient arch support for your feet.

Talk with a sports podiatrist if you have specific questions about the health of your feet.

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