Common Sports Injuries That Even Non-Athletes Get

A simple massage or application of a cold compress can relieve a minor foot pain, but persistent foot pain may indicate a more serious condition.. Foot pain can affect the person's quality of life and his ability to do daily activities.

What Causes the Pain?

There are many reasons why our foot feels pain. It can sometimes be caused by inflamed tissues in the leg area, possible abnormal bone spurs, puncture wound, and displacement of the metatarsal bone, bone fracture and stress.

Ankle Fracture

Ankle fracture or commonly called as "broken ankle" happens when bones in the ankle area crack. Fractures can range from mild to severe such as when a portion of the bone protrudes out of the patient's skin. A patient maybe experiencing ankle fracture when he/she feels an intense pain where the crack is located. The affected area would also be swelling and the ability to walk is not possible without feeling the pain. Common causes of broken ankle includes landing incorrectly, aging, missing steps and having the foot accidentally stepped on especially during sports activities. Mild problems can be treated by using the RICE method while severe fractures might result to the affected area casted.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is common for people who put too much stress in this area of the feet including those who often engage in running or jumping. Patients would often feel pain in the fascia especially in the morning and would typically feel a tenderness in their heel and arch area. Treatment for plantar fasciitis depends on the severity and would take up to eight months before patients would fully recover. To prevent this from happening, one should wear good shoes made specifically for running. Preventing too much stress on the area and limiting running on hard surfaces can also help ease the pain.

Cuboid Syndrome

Cuboid syndrome occurs more often in athletes, dancers and those with flat feet. The constant and repetitive movement causes the cuboid bone to misaligned resulting in pain to the patient. A patient that suffers from a sprained ankle may also damage the cuboid bone. Patients would often feel pain in the area coupled with swelling and redness as well as avoiding the use of that foot area. As the problem is difficult to diagnose, some tests are conducted by podiatrist such as midtarsal adduction and midtarsal supination. Treatments would include allowing the ankle area to fully heal especially if the patient has an ankle injury. Once the ankle injury is fully healed, therapist would often use massage treatments to bring the bone back to its original place.