An overuse injury, as the name suggests –is a type of muscle or joint injury, that’s often caused by repetitive motion.
Overuse injuries of the foot can occur adults and children alike, but are common among athletes–especially those who do a lot of running or sports that involve contact with the feet such as soccer or football.
Let’s look at a few common overuse foot injuries.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone with the toes. This tendon supports the arch of the foot, and if it becomes injured or strained, it can become weak and inflamed. When this happens, the heel or bottom of the foot will hurt when pressure is applied.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the long tendon that stretches from the back of your heel to your calf muscle. This tendon allows you to extend your foot and point your toes downward. Achilles tendonitis often occurs when a runner suddenly increases the intensity of their runs. While most cases of Achilles tendinitis can be treated at-home care, more serious cases can lead to tendon tears, which may require surgery.
Turf Toe
Turf toe is commonly associated with football players –however, it affects other athletes as well. Soccer players, gymnasts, dancers, and even wrestlers are at risk of turf toe. It is caused from the repeated motion of jamming your big toe into the ground or using the big toe as a ‘springboard’ –something that’s common during sports.
Stress Fracture
Stress fractures to the foot are another common overuse injury. Stress fractures are tiny fractures that occur due to repetitive force. The stress is not great enough to cause a complete fracture or break, but a stress fracture can be very painful.
If you are experiencing foot pain, contact Houston podiatrist Dr Lamarra of Shepherd Square Podiatry today.
Tags: Foot Injury, Foot Pain, Prevention