Common Foot Injuries
The human foot is an amazing machine – it has 33 joints, 26 bones, and 112 ligaments all working together to help you walk, run, and do everything you want it to. Unfortunately, even if you treat your feet well, accidents happen and foot injury is sometimes unavoidable.
Below are some just two of the many common kinds of foot and ankle injuries. If you are a serious athlete or zealous about your running, read this article, you will find the facts and tips below very useful.
Ankle Sprain / Strain
Ankle sprain, one of the many types of foot ankle injuries, is a result tearing or overstretching of the ligaments around the ankle (typically outside the joint). People who misstep or trip while running, for example, may get a sprain. Sprain happens when the tears or overstretched ligaments heal, start to form scar tissues that stick to normal tissues, and cause swelling and unrelenting pain. If left untreated, an ankle pain can persist for weeks, sometimes even years.
A sprain is one of the most common foot injuries. Still, it should not be taken lightly. Once you feel like you have sprained your ankle, stop what you are doing immediately, even if the pain is still bearable. You may not feel the pain of the sprain right away, but this does not mean you can go on. You may end up worsening the sprain by continuing your activity.
Slowly elevate your leg. Once you are comfortable, apply compressed ice. If the inflammation and pain does not subside, go to a doctor. You may be required to undergo friction massage and ultrasound to help reduce the scar tissues.
Avoid rocky and uneven trails if you are prone to sprain. If you really must run on such trails, be sure to warm up your ankles first and wear a more supportive shoe.
Foot Stress fractures
Foot Stress Fracture is common, but it is one of the most serious foot sports injuries. They refer to partial bone cracks or breaks. The damage is usually on the metatarsals (specifically the second to the fourth). The injured area may swell, but it usually does not.
Over zealous sports training may impose constant stress to the bones of the feet, resulting to stress fractures. Runners who suddenly switch from soft trails to hard trails may also develop this foot injury.
Stress fracture is a serious matter. It can usually heal without any complications, but the key is to detect it early. If you think you may have it, see a specialist and have your bone scanned art once. You may be required to rest your feet and ankles for at least six weeks while you recover. The doctor is likely to advise you to modify your training program to avoid any recurrence. You should also think of trading in your training shoes for another pair with superior shock absorption.
To prevent stress fractures from developing in the first place, never overuse your feet. Once you notice foot stiffness or unusual soreness, curb the intensity of your workout or at least switch to a softer surface.
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