5 Foot Injuries You Should Know
Uncommon foot injuries are scary– especially if you don’t know what has caused it! Despite their size, feet are complicated parts of the body. The foot has 26 bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments! So it’s safe to say, finding the cause of your pain isn’t always easy. Below, we’ve compiled the 5 most common foot injuries that we see at All-In-One Foot Care Center.
1. Foot Injuries You May Have
Is your Foot InjuriesYou may have plantar fasciitis. One of the most common foot injuries, this condition occurs when the tissue at the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. This tissue starts at your heel bone and extends all the way to the ball of your foot. The plantar fascia is extremely important, as it helps to support your arch and absorb shock. Plantar fasciitis normally develops over time and feels like a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel when you take your first few steps in the
You may have a foot injury in a few ways:
You may have a foot injury, and/or rolling a tennis ball on the arch of the foot to massage the inflamed area. At All-In-One Foot Care Center, your chiropodist may suggest shockwave therapy to repair the damaged plantar fascia (see the video below to learn more!), or custom orthotics to better support your arch and correct any underlying biomechanical issues that are placing excessive strain on the plantar fascia.
2. A Tear Or Tendonitis Of The Achilles Tendon
Achilles tendon pain can be a killer, as the legendary Greek warrior would agree! It is an inflamed tendon that runs from the heel to the calf. Achilles tendonitis causes swelling and pain on the back of the foot when it becomes inflamed. You'll likely feel this pain when climbing stairs or flexing your foot. The causes of this common foot injury can range from overcompensating for weak leg muscles, and tight calves, to strenuous physical activity.
In contact sports, the Achilles tendon can also tear. In this case, you may hear a pop, feel sharp pain, and have difficulty walking or flexing the foot. In some cases, tears need to be surgically repaired, but in others, rehabilitation can be used to repair them.
Your doctor may have agreed that rehab is the best treatment for your Achilles tendon if it is just inflamed or if your doctor has agreed. As part of this plan, the Achilles tendon and calf muscles may be gently stretched, shockwave therapy may be used to reduce inflammation and heal damaged ankle tissue, and orthotics may be used to elevate the heel and relieve stress on the Achilles tendon. When combined with physiotherapy, chiropodist treatment is highly effective in strengthening and conditioning ankle muscles and ligaments.
3. Sprained Ankle
Usually, sprains occur when the ligaments holding your ankle together are stretched beyond their capacity. They usually occur when your ankle is twisted or rolled. Sprained ankles may swell or feel sensitive to touch. You may feel pain when you try to walk on them as well.
When you think you have sprained your ankle, elevate it and apply an icepack to reduce swelling. The physiotherapist can come up with a treatment plan to get your ankle back in shape once your doctor says you are ready to start rehabilitation. During and after your recovery, you can also consult with a chiropodist for advice on how to maintain your ankle health. During your return to regular activity, you can tape or brace your ankle to keep it safe.
The use of shockwave therapy can help heal sprained ankles that do not heal properly, resulting in chronic ankle pain.
4. The Toe Is Broken
The good news is that broken toes can quickly heal if you buddy-tape the broken one to the one next to it. Do not underestimate the power of buddy taping.
You may need further medical intervention and even surgery if the pain and swelling persist. If the skin becomes cut near the injury, broken toes may also become infected. The fracture that extends to a toe joint may also put you at risk of osteoarthritis, a form of arthritis that results from the wear and tear of the joint and improperly healed injuries.
You can also see a chiropodist for treatment options if your broken toe persists or leads to other foot problems. If you're concerned about your broken toe, make an appointment to see your doctor for medical imaging.
5. Fractures Due To Stress
After a long day at work, stress can affect your bones as well! Stress fractures are small cracks in the bones that are caused by overuse – such as running or jumping repeatedly. Since our feet carry so much weight, we often suffer stress fractures on our legs and feet. As one of the most common foot injuries, stress fractures occur in the metatarsals, the five-toe bones located in the ball of the foot. Over 25% of stress fractures occur there!
Stress fractures may initially feel mild, but they tend to get worse over time and may even result in swelling. You can relieve the pain and inflammation by resting and applying ice to the area, but a walking boot may be necessary to relieve the pressure.
In case of foot pain, what should you do?
At All-In-One Foot Care Center, we see these foot injuries as the most common, but we always recommend seeing a healthcare practitioner receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
You can contact our office at 949-588-8833, or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com. Our offices are in Laguna Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, and Costa Mesa.
📲 949-588-8833
🏢 24331 El Toro Rd, Suite 370 Laguna Woods CA 92637
🏢Irvine Medical Arts Building 113 Waterworks Way, Suite 250 Irvine, CA 92618
🌐 https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/
The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professionals before starting any new treatment. Health information on this website MUST NOT be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of your doctor.
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