Other Common Sports Injuries of the Foot & Ankle
Stay Active. Recover Faster.
Whether you're a competitive athlete, weekend warrior, or simply enjoy staying active, injuries to the foot and ankle are common. Running, jumping, cutting, and rapid changes in direction place tremendous stress on the bones, muscles, tendons, and joints of the lower extremity. Early diagnosis and treatment can shorten recovery time, reduce the risk of chronic problems, and help you safely return to your sport.
Turf Toe
- Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe joint caused by forceful upward bending of the toe. It commonly occurs in football, soccer, lacrosse, and other sports played on artificial turf.
- Symptoms include: Pain at the base of the big toe, Swelling, Bruising, Difficulty pushing off while walking or running.
- Treatment may include rest, immobilization, taping, stiff-soled shoes, custom orthotics, and physical therapy.
Peroneal Tendon Injuries
- The peroneal tendons run along the outside of the ankle and help stabilize the foot during athletic activity. These tendons can become inflamed, torn, or unstable following ankle injuries or repetitive sports activities.
- Symptoms may include: Pain along the outside of the ankle, Swelling, Weakness, Pain with cutting or pivoting movements.
- Treatment may include bracing, physical therapy, custom orthotics, activity modification, or surgical repair for more severe injuries.
Toe Fractures & Foot Fractures
- Direct trauma from kicking, dropping an object on the foot, or twisting injuries can result in fractures of the toes or other foot bones.
- Common symptoms include: Pain, Swelling, Bruising, Difficulty walking, Tenderness over the injured bone.
- Many fractures heal with immobilization and protected weight-bearing, while more complex injuries may require surgical stabilization.
Subungual Hematoma (Blood Under the Toenail)
- A subungual hematoma occurs when bleeding develops beneath the toenail after trauma.
- Symptoms include: Throbbing pain, Dark red, purple, or black discoloration beneath the nail, Pressure beneath the toenail, Tenderness to touch.
- If a significant amount of blood collects beneath the nail, your podiatrist may perform nail trephination. More severe injuries may require evaluation for an underlying fracture.
Blisters & Friction Injuries
- Blisters are among the most common sports injuries and frequently occur during running, hiking, tennis, pickleball, and other activities.
- Treatment includes: Protecting the skin with padding, Preventing infection, Wearing properly fitting footwear, Using moisture-wicking socks, and Returning to activity safely.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
- Schedule an evaluation if you experience: Pain that persists for more than a few days, Difficulty walking or bearing weight, Significant swelling or bruising, Persistent foot pain during sports, A painful toenail injury, or an injury that prevents activity.
Get Back in the Game
Our practice provides comprehensive care for athletes of all ages. From acute injuries to chronic overuse conditions, we offer personalized treatment plans designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help you return to the activities you enjoy as quickly and safely as possible. Early treatment can speed recovery and prevent complications.