Common Sports Injuries: How Your Feet Play a Role
Sports injuries are frustrating, often keeping you from doing the activities you love. But did you know that many of these injuries can be traced back to your feet? Your feet are the foundation of your body, and any instability, misalignment, or weakness here can lead to problems higher up in the body.
Let’s explore some of the most common sports injuries and how issues with your feet may be the hidden cause behind your aches and pains.
1. Achilles Tendon Problems
The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel, is a common area of injury for athletes, especially runners. Achilles tendinopathy often occurs due to overuse or strain, but many people don’t realise that foot dysfunction can increase the risk.
If your feet are flat or overpronate (roll inwards typically for too long), they place extra stress on the Achilles tendon. Proper footwear, orthotics, and strengthening exercises are important facets of rehabilitating Achilles tendon problems.
2. Shin Splints
Shin splints is a term loosely used to describe pain along the front of the lower leg and is often experienced by runners or those who engage in high-impact sports. While shin pain can be triggered by overtraining or running on hard surfaces, improper foot and/or running mechanics can also contribute.
Poor foot function can cause your leg muscles to work harder to stabilise each step, placing more stress on the bones of the lower leg. Regaining proper foot function through supportive footwear or custom orthotics can help alleviate shin pain and help prevent future injury.
3. Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain commonly occurs in runners or athletes who spend a lot of time on their feet. The plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, can become overloaded leading to pathology which typically causes pain on weight bearing after rest.
Poor foot posture, abnormal foot function and poor running technique can increase the risk of plantar fasciopathy. Proper footwear, orthotic insoles, correctly prescribed exercises and improved coaching can all help to reduce stress in the plantar fascia and keep heel pain at bay.
4. Knee Pain
Knee pain is often caused by traumatic injury but again can be a result of poor foot function. Optimising foot function can be part of the treatment for common knee problems.
How Podiatry Can Help
If you suffer with frequent, recurring, or recalcitrant lower limb sports injuries it is worth considering whether your feet could be playing a role. At Epsom Footcare, we specialise in assessing foot function and provide treatments that help alleviate pain and prevent future injuries. Using specialised treatments, custom orthotics and correctly prescribed rehabilitation exercises we’ve got you covered.
By addressing the root cause – your feet – you’ll be better equipped to avoid recurring injuries and get back to the sports and activities you love.
Book an appointment with Epsom Footcare today and take the first step towards pain-free movement.
