1. Injuries to the Foot

2. Foot and ankle problems are among the most common health concerns in the US
¾ of Americans will experience a foot injury/problem in their life
Facts
Podiatry is the study of feet
150 lb person runs 3 miles – each foot will have an impact of 150 tons
Without athletic stress – foot problems contribute to problems in the knees, hips, and lower back
Healthy feet are critical to a successful fitness program

3. Ankle Sprains
Sprains are the most common reason people visit the Orthopedic Dr and the ER
45% of basketball injuries are the ankle
80% of ankle sprains are from excessive inversion
Most common is the talo-fibular ligament
Least common – eversion because the deltoid ligament is so strong

4. Degrees of an ankle sprain
1st Degree: Ligament is stretched
Minor discomfort
Point tenderness
Little or no swelling
No abnormal movement

5. 2nd Degree: Part of ligament is torn
Pain & Swelling
Loss of function
Abnormal movement of joint
3rd Degree: Completely torn
Joint instable
Extreme pain no pain at all (nerve damage)
Rapid swelling
Possible fracture accompanies it

6. Treatment:
PRICE
Splint, tape, or brace will protect from further injury
If it causes pain – DON’T do it
Ice A LOT for the 1st 24 hours
Compression bandage

7. Rehabilitation Range of Motion exercises Stretch muscles
Strength muscles

8. Arch Sprain
The arch contributes to balance, movement, support, and shock absorption
All 3 arches can be sprained
If arch is weak – it can’t absorb the shock
The following can lead to arch problems:
Overuse
Overweight
Fatigue
Training on hard surfaces
Poor shoes

9. Signs/Symptoms Treatment Pain when bearing weight
Bruising/swelling on top of foot
Treatment
ICE
Support

10. Blisters Can occur on any part of body with friction
Most common on feet
As layers of skin rub together, friction causes separation between the layers
Body responds with fluid
Fluid creates pressure on nerves (pain)
It it breaks – now its an open wound and susceptible to infection
Do NOT ignore
This minor injury remove from your sports

11. Putting a bandaid on it doesn’t work
Treatment
The goal is to:
Relieve Pain
Keep from getting bigger
Avoid infection
Do not remove skin unless its flapping
Putting a bandaid on it doesn’t work
Create a raised surface around blister

12. Turf Toe Definition: hyperextension of big toe
Sprain the metatarsophalangeal ligament
Big Toe is very important for balance, movement and speed

13. Treatment
PRICE
X-ray to rule out fractures

14. Plantar Fasciitis Plantar Fascia – ligament that connect heel to toes
Supports the arch
Can be strained by:
Overuse
Unsupportive footwear
Tight Achilles tendon
Running on hard surfaces
Chronic irritation
Long distance runners
Basketball/volleyball from jumping and landing

15. Experience pain from bottom of foot to the heel IF untreated:
Bone imbalance, heel spurs, muscle strains, and shin splints
Treatment:
Correct your training errors
Ice and massage
Wear correct shoes
Add cushion or inserts to shoes

16. Heel Spur
Definition: bony growth on calcaneus causing inflammatory response in soft tissue
Signs/Symptoms:
pain
Treatment:
Tape Arch or use supports
Anti-inflammatory
Possible surgery

17. Heel Bruise The heel consists of ligaments, tendons, and fat pads
All subject to stress and injury
Definition: Contusion on the heel bone
Can be very disabling
Treatment
ICE

18. Fractures Immediately impair the ability to perform competitively
Sign/symptoms:
Pain – point tender
Bruising
Swelling
Can’t bear weight (unless its fibula)
Treatment
Ice and seek a doctor

19. Ingrown toenail Definition: nail has grown into skin of toe Causes
Leads to pain and/or infection
Causes
Shoes to tight
Toenails clipped incorrectly
Treatment
Soak foot in warm epson salt solution multiple times a day
Cut it out

20. Athlete’s Foot Definition: fungal infection of the foot
Very contagious
Signs/Symptoms
Extreme itching, blisters, rash
Treatment
OTC antifungal creams