3 Common Football Foot and Ankle Injuries
Who is ready for some football? The season is here, and we know some of our patients have been waiting for this time of year to return. Football is often a family affair. Whether your family is filled with fans or players, the season has something for everyone. Nothing is sadder than when we see hurt players, though.
The doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center work with football players, too — maybe the ones on your local high school team. What’s most important is for us to help our neighborhood athletes reduce their risk of injury. If bumps and bruises occur, we are here to help with a prompt diagnosis and a specific treatment plan.
Keep reading for three common football injuries.
Achilles tendon injuries
You may often hear us talk about the Achilles tendon because it is a big deal. The tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Did you know you wouldn’t be able to point your toes without it? Two injuries can occur to this tendon: Achilles tendonitis or an Achilles tendon rupture. The first deals with inflammation, and the second describes a tear.
Ankle sprain
Think about agility. Have you ever seen your favorite player dart down the field and dodge the opposing team? While doing so, there is also a risk of an ankle sprain. When our ankles move in ways they should not, we can have a sprain. The severity can range, so it’s best to schedule an appointment with your podiatrist.
Turf toe
We’re talking turf toe, and we think it’s something you should know. It is a common concern to play a sport on artificial grass or turf, such as football. Turf toe is a slightly different way of describing a sprained big toe. It is common for football players because they are often pushing their toes while running down the field.
If you’re excited about the football season, we are, too! We are thrilled to be here for you and your family. We’re all about prevention, but we’re here to help on the tough day of an injury.
Our board-certified team of foot and ankle doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center has experience with addressing foot needs, including bunions and hammertoes, pediatric foot care, custom orthotics, heel pain, diabetic foot care, and more. The team includes Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, and Dr. Laura Vander Poel. We have two locations in Hartford County: 1379 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT, and 1350 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.