Foot Health for Athletes

From the repeated pounding that runners’ feet receive on paved surfaces to the side-to-side motion seen in court sports, there’s no question that athletes’ feet and ankles are prone to injury.

Keep an eye out for some of these common problems:

Ankle sprains

These are one of the most common sports injuries. However, sometimes that “sprain” is actually an ankle fracture and treatment for these two conditions are very different. And don’t skimp on rehab! An ankle that wasn’t rested properly is more likely to suffer repeated sprains, leading to chronic ankle instability.


Achilles tendon disorders

Achilles tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendon that runs down the back of the lower leg, is a common injury for athletes and can progress into a degeneration of the tendon (Achilles tendonosis).

Heel pain

This condition is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, although it may also be due to other causes including stress fractures. Keeping the Achilles tendon stretched can help get rid of this pain, but continued pain should be checked out to rule out a fracture or other cause.


Morton’s neuroma

Also called “intermetatarsal neuroma,” this is a thickening of nerve tissue in the ball of the foot. Causes include activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running or court sports.

Is Foot Pain Ruining Your Golf ?

As you head to your favourite golf course this spring, make sure your feet are in shape before approaching the tee box. Your big toe, heel, and ball of your foot are the spots most likely to cause pain that can ruin your golf swing.

The three most common foot conditions that can be the barrier to a perfect golf swing are neuromas, arthritis, and heel pain.

Three conditions

Neuromas

Neuromas are nerves that become thickened, enlarged, and painful because they’ve been compressed or irritated. A neuroma in the ball of your foot can cause significant pain as your body transfers its weight from one foot to the other while swinging the club.


Arthritis

Arthritis can cause pain in the joint of your big toe that makes it difficult to follow-through.

Heel pain

Heel pain typically results from an inflammation of the band of tissue that extends from your heel to the ball of your foot. Heel pain can make it uncomfortable for golfers to maintain a solid stance during crucial portions of the swing.


Foot pain is not normal. With the treatment options available, a pain-free golf swing is clearly in view.

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