Athletes, or those who are frequently involved in sporting activities, are generally at a higher risk of getting a foot or ankle injury. Overuse and intense pressure put on the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the lower extremity region are typically caused by repetitive motions. This in turn will often cause stress and lead to injury of the foot or ankle. Some of the most common injuries caused by sporting activities include ankle sprains, peroneal tendonitis, stress fractures, chronic ankle instability, heel pain, injury to the Achilles tendon, and injury to the sesamoid bones.

Sports in which ankle sprains commonly occur include soccer, tennis, and cheerleading. Ankle sprains are caused by a tear in the ligament of the ankle, which typically occurs when the foot is rolled in an awkward manner. Ankle sprains are usually accompanied with bruising, swelling, and pain. Those who have sprained an ankle in the past may run the risk of developing chronic ankle instability. Those with this condition will generally feel a persistent pain, swelling, and tenderness in the ankle, and may experience the sensation of the ankle giving way when performing everyday activities.

Each of your feet have 25 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, muscles and ligaments. It is no wonder a lot of things can go wrong. Below are reasons to visit Dr. McCool.

1. The hurt limb or joint looks odd, is a strange shape or is out of its normal position.
2. The skin over the site of the injury is broken.
3. You have signs of nerve or blood vessel damage.
4. You cannot put weight on or straighten the hurt limb, or a joint wobbles or feels unstable.
5. You have severe pain.
6. You have a lot of swelling within 30 minutes of the injury.
7. Signs of infection.

If you’re frequently involved in sporting activities and would like more information on how to best protect your foot and ankle, we recommend you speak with a podiatrist for professional care and advice.