When you are a high school athlete, competing in sports can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Unfortunately, there is also a risk of foot injuries involved. Foot injuries can range from a bit of discomfort or swelling to more severe traumas like broken bones or ligament tears.
If your teen is a high school athlete and is dealing with a foot injury, a podiatrist at Fixing Feet Institute can help. Our team of experts treats conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and more. Whether your teen is recovering from an injury or looking to prevent one, we can provide the care that you need so they can get back on their feet and back into the sport they love.
Common Causes and Signs of High School Sport Foot Injuries
The most common cause of foot injuries in high school sports is overuse. Overuse occurs when an athlete performs a certain activity too frequently or at too intense a level without allowing enough time for the body to repair itself. This can lead to muscle fatigue, which increases the risk of injury.
Another common cause of foot injuries is inadequate stretching or warm-up before practice or competition. Not properly stretching before physical activity can lead to tight muscles, making them more susceptible to injury.
Finally, improper footwear can also increase the risk of foot injuries in high school athletes. Shoes that do not fit properly or provide adequate support will be unable to absorb shock properly and may increase the risk of sustaining an injury while playing sports.
Since pain is typically the last sign of an injury, athletes need to pay attention to any other symptoms before it becomes too severe.
Common symptoms, in addition to pain, that is associated with high school sport foot injuries include:
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Discoloration
- Difficulty walking or running
Common High School Sports Foot Injuries
Participating in high school sports can be a great way to stay active and be part of a team. It is essential to understand the risks of being an athlete, including the possibility of injuries. Some common injuries that are seen in high school sports include the following:
- Plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common types of foot injury in athletes. It occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to overuse or excessive strain on the area.
- Stress fracture. A stress fracture is a tiny crack in one of the bones in the feet caused by repetitive pounding or force on that area.
- Ankle sprains. An ankle sprain occurs when ligaments are stretched beyond their normal limits due to sudden twists or turns during physical activity.
- Shin splints. Shin splints are another common injury among high school athletes. They occur when too much stress is placed on the lower legs and feet due to overtraining or improper running technique.
- Achilles tendinitis. Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury common with sports involving running or jumping. It causes pain in the back of the ankle when flexing the foot upwards or difficulty walking uphill or upstairs due to tightness in the calf area.
Diagnosing and Treating High School Sport Foot Injuries
A podiatrist is the most qualified professional to diagnose high school sport foot injuries. They will assess your teen’s symptoms and perform a thorough physical exam to determine the condition’s root cause.
High school athletes have different needs than adults when it comes to treating foot injuries. Their treatment plans need to be tailored specifically to their needs and abilities. Common treatments include:
- Rest to give the injury time to heal
- Ice to reduce swelling
- Using crutches to avoid putting too much pressure on the affected area while still maintaining mobility
In some cases, surgery may also be necessary in order to address more serious issues such as broken bones or torn ligaments. However, this should only be done after consulting with a doctor and determining that it is necessary for proper healing.
Prevention Tips
The best way to prevent foot injuries is by taking proper care of your feet and wearing protective gear when playing sports. Before participating in any physical activity, it’s important to warm up and stretch. It is also important to wear shoes that fit correctly and provide adequate support throughout all activities.
Finally, teens should make sure that they are giving their body adequate time between practices and competitions so that it has time to recover from any potential micro-tears in their muscles or tissue damage caused by physical activity.
Contact Our Arizona Podiatrist
If your teen is a high school athlete and has experienced a foot injury, Fixing Feet Institute can help. To schedule an appointment with our doctors, contact our office by calling us at 623-584-5556 or filling out our contact form online, and one of our caring staff members will be in touch.
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