Sports Injuries
Nick Gallogly working with sports professionals
Some of the most common foot problems, along with their symptoms are listed below.
Ankle sprains
Ankle sprains result from excessive stretching or even tearing of the ankle’s supporting ligaments. This commonly happens when an ankle is twisted. The degree of these injuries determines how stable the ankle feels after healing. Ankle sprains most commonly affect the ankle’s side ligaments. Sprains fall into one of three categories based on the severity of the ligament damage:
- Grade 1: Tiny rips and stretching of the ligament
- Grade 2: The ankle is a little loose due to a partially damaged ligament.
- Grade 3: There is severe ankle instability due to a fully ruptured ligament.
High ankles sprain are a little different and occur higher up, impacting the structure that hold together the tibia and fibula. They are most seen in contact sports and can require surgical stabilization.
Treatment
The role of Functional Foot Orthoses is to try and influence the effects of the damage that has occurred, when strengthen and conditioning has been exhausted. Strengthen and stability work is always the first step in management.
Hallux Rigidus
Hallux rigidus is the most frequently occurring type of arthritis in the foot. It is second only to bunions in terms of common conditions affecting the big toe’s joint.
Symptoms
The amin symptoms for hallux rigidus is a feel of increased stiffness, discomfort within the joint and swelling. Many people can feel pain in other areas of the foot as they move their weight to offload the inside of the foot.
Causes
Arthritis to the joint can occur for a number of reasons, some of which we do not fully understand. A previous injury to the toe can create post traumatic arthritis. Spending a lot of time with the toe in extension can also create a faster deterioration in the joint in conjunction with certain sporting tasks such as burpees or scrumming in rugby.
Treatment
The aims of treatment are to reduce pain. This can be done with Functional foot orthoses, strapping and taping for activity and the use of stiffened soled footwear. Joint injections can offer some pain relief and when conservative measured have failed, surgical fusion of the joint can be considered with guidance from the orthopaedic surgeon.
Lisfranc Injuries
The Lisfranc joint is where the long bones of the forefoot meet the midfoot bones, held together by a ligament called the Lisfranc ligament. This ligament maintains the foot’s arch and stability. Injuries to this area can involve dislocations, fractures, or sprains.
Symptoms
The main symptoms for will be bruising and swelling to the midfoot following a clear preceding injury. In severe cases, no weight bearing will be possible, and most people may not be able to continue the sport after the point of injury.
Causes
Injury to the Lisfranc joint always occurs following a trauma to the midfoot – rugby tackle, heavy object landing on the foot.
Treatment
There re different grades of injury to the Lisfranc joint and treatment is governed by the level of stability/instability, symptoms felt and also the level of sport of the athlete. Rest always the first stage of treatment. The role of Functional Foot Orthoses is to increase the stability and reduce as much of the pain as possible.
