5 Most Common Foot Injuries Seen In The Summer.

By Dr Peter Shelton BSc Hons Accredited Podiatrist.

During the months of spring and summer, more and more people like to get back active and enjoy the great outdoors. Be it camping, road trips, gardening, running the gorgeous beach tracks we all find ways to take full advantage of the warmer weather. Summer is the time for cricket, swimming, tennis, golf and a wide range of other outdoor sports. Whilst being active outdoors is great for your health, more activity always leads to a greater risk for injury.

As you head out on your early morning run, gentle walk around the park or preparing for pre-season footy this summer, keep in mind these common injuries that can occur during the warmer months:-

1. Achilles Tendinitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or disease, and often causes swelling, pain and irritation in the area that is affected. Symptoms may include: pain, aching, stiffness, soreness or tenderness within the tendon, small nodules may also occur in the tendon and swelling that is present worsens with activity. If you experience these symptoms, ensure you make an appointment with us as soon as possible. We will examine your foot and ankle, perform any necessary diagnostic tests and prescribe the best course of treatment for you

2. Shin Splints are caused by inflammation to the muscles that surround the shinbone. This can be caused by an overuse of muscles, stress fractures or over pronation and misalignment of the joints of the feet. Symptoms usually include pain down the front of the lower leg. If you are having trouble with shin splints, it’s best to see your Podiatrist as soon as possible

3. Ankle Sprains Injuries to the ligaments of the ankle are known as ankle sprains. An ankle sprain can occur during sporting activities, when walking on uneven surfaces or just walking around the house. An ankle sprain or ‘rolled’ ankle is a very common injury.  Treatment is well advised to prevent any further damage and ensure correct healing takes place and to rehabilitate back to full activity.

4. Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Pain refers to inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed-resulting in heel pain. The symptoms typically feel like a stabbing pain in the heel or arch area under the foot. The pain is usually at its worst with the first few steps on a morning however, it can also be triggered by long periods of standing or rising after a prolonged rest. During exercise you may not feel it but it does tend to resurface after. A trip to your Podiatrist would be advised to see exactly what the underlying cause of this really is. If this is not fixed then this problem tends to reappear intermittently.

5. Stress Fractures are tiny, hairline cracks that are usually caused by overuse and repetitive stress or they may be caused by abnormal misaligned foot mechanics. Stress fractures usually occur in runners, basketball and netball players that have the constant sudden stop, start movement. Symptoms include pain that develops gradually, with or after normal activity, pain that goes away upon resting and then returns when standing or during activity and pain at the site of the fracture.

If you are experiencing any of the above or any other lower limb injury, contact us and let us get you back on track.

Telephone: 07 5492 2944

www.coastalpodiatry.com.au