With being on one’s feet the whole time while playing tennis, one is very likely to sustain a foot injury at some point while participating in this sport. The most common of such injuries include heel spurs, stress fractures, and tennis toe. A heel spur is a calcium buildup under the heel from straining or stretching the plantar fascia. It is common among athletes who pound their feet on the court and/or wear ill-fitting shoes that do not have enough support. Stress fractures are overuse injuries that come on from wear and tear. They can happen when muscles become fatigued or unable to absorb shock, and small cracks develop in bones. These types of fractures occur when activity levels are increased suddenly, or tennis is played on a new surface.  Tennis toe is when blood pools under the big toenail and is generally caused by friction from the toenail rubbing against the shoe. If you experience foot and ankle pain from playing tennis, consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide proper treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Deborah Holte, DPM from Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Kirksville, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.