Treatment for Sports Injuries
Sports injuries happen to us all and are an unfortunate evitability which stops you from doing what you love. Our goal is to educate and empower you by providing insights into common injuries that can be effectively managed with foot orthoses. Scroll down and expand each section for more information.
Treatment for Sports Injuries
Sports injuries happen to us all and are an unfortunate evitability which stops you from doing what you love. Our goal is to educate and empower you by providing insights into common injuries that can be effectively managed with foot orthoses. Scroll down and expand each section for more information.
Achilles Tendon Disorders
The Achilles tendon is a strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It helps you push off the ground when you walk or run. Problems with this tendon include Achilles tendonitis, para-tendonitis, and tendinosis.
Achilles tendon disorders can be split into two types:
Type I: This happens when there’s inflammation and tears in the middle of the Achilles tendon.
Type II: This occurs when there’s inflammation and tears near the heel bone.
These issues are usually caused by overuse or putting too much stress on the Achilles tendon. This can lead to tiny tears in the tissue that don’t heal properly, especially if the tendon is overused.
Symptoms of these disorders include:
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, causing pain during physical activity or daily tasks.
- Para-tendonitis: Swelling and inflammation of the tendon, with pain starting during activities and worsening over time.
- Tendinosis: Pain and thickening of the tendon, along with weakness and reduced ability to move the foot.
To diagnose these disorders, a doctor will examine the foot and check for pain, swelling, and weakness in the Achilles tendon area. X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasound scans may also be done to see the extent of the damage.
Treatment usually starts with rest, ice, pain medication, and stretches. Orthotic intervention or physiotherapy may also compliment the rehabilitation process. In severe cases, surgery might be an option after a few months of little improvement.
Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprains happen when the ankle’s supporting ligaments stretch too much or even tear. This usually occurs when someone twists their ankle. These injuries can be mild or severe, affecting how stable the ankle feels afterward. The most common ankle sprains involve the ligaments on the side of the ankle. Depending on how badly the ligament is damaged, sprains are categorized as:
Grade 1: The ligament is stretched with tiny tears
Grade 2: The ligament is partially torn, making the ankle a bit loose
Grade 3: The ligament is completely torn, leading to a lot of ankle instability
Another type, called high ankle sprains, affects different ligaments higher up near where the leg bones meet. These can also involve a ligament tear that might even break the smaller leg bone.
Symptoms include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Feeling like the ankle might give way
Health professionals check the ankle by looking at it and moving it to see how badly it’s hurt. They might also use X-rays or other scans to make sure there’s no bone damage.
Treatment usually doesn’t involve surgery. For milder sprains, resting the ankle, applying ice, wrapping it, and keeping it raised helps. Pain relievers can reduce pain and swelling. Severe sprains might need a brace or physiotherapy to support the healing process. High ankle sprains take longer to heal and also benefit from physiotherapy input.
Hallux Rigidus
Hallux rigidus is a form of arthritis that affects the big toe, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint where the big toe meets the foot. This condition means “stiff big toe” and is essentially a type of wear-and-tear arthritis. It’s important to see a healthcare professional if you notice these symptoms as they can help manage the condition.
This issue is quite common, particularly among adults over 50, and 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 include pain and stiffness in the big toe, swelling around the joint, and reduced movement. This can be worse when standing, moving, or in cold, damp weather. The biomechanical forces running through the joint are important when actively moving around so the limited motion can make physical activity difficult. Tight or poorly fitting shoes can also exacerbate the problem.
The exact cause of hallux rigidus is often unclear, but it generally results from the joint’s wear and tear over time. Each step puts significant stress on this joint, which can lead to the condition. Other contributing factors might include injuries to the toe, overuse from sports or work, and having longer foot bones.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and possibly X-rays to look for bone spurs and assess the joint’s condition. The severity of hallux rigidus can be graded based on how much movement is lost in the big toe.
Treatments aim to relieve symptoms and improve joint function. These may include changing to shoes with more room for the toes and stiff soles, orthotic insoles with local stiffness can be relieve pain by limiting toe movement, taking pain relievers, and applying ice to reduce swelling. In some cases, cortisone injections or foot soaks might be recommended. Surgery is not usually necessary but could be considered if other treatments do not help.
Recovery from hallux rigidus varies depending on the treatment. Simple changes like wearing different shoes may offer immediate relief, while recovery from surgery depends on the type of procedure performed, ranging from a few weeks to several months.
Peroneal Tendon Injuries
Peroneal tendons help stabilize the ankle and run along the outside of the calf muscle. The injuries relate to the two peroneal tendons which are peroneus brevis and peroneus longus. The injuries generally relate to those people who tend to either bear most of their weight on the outside of their foot or where the muscle has been over – loaded either due to incorrect footwear, altered running technique or running on uneven ground. Peroneal tendon injuries can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time,
It is accepted that prompt treatment is crucial for peroneal tendon injuries, especially when the tendon has experienced subluxation, to prevent further complications such as tendon tears or ruptures. Diagnosis involves a thorough examination by a healthcare professional, including assessment of pain, swelling, weakness, and instability in the ankle. Dependant on the symptoms, imaging can be very helpful to help determine the exact level of damage, predict prognosis and therefore the return to activities and in more serious cases, aid a surgeons surgical decision making.
Conservative management includes strengthening, strapping, footwear alterations and rest. Orthotics are considered when there is a need to change the way in which the muscles are utilized during walking or running, especially when the symptoms have occurred without any specific trauma.
Plantar Plate Injuries
The plantar plate is a cartilage-based structure located under the heads of the second to fifth metatarsal bones in the foot. It functions similarly to the sesamoids in the big toe joint, enhancing foot mobility. This plate plays a critical role in bearing the significant forces exerted during walking and other physical activities, particularly due to the reaction force from the ground. While tears in the plantar plate are relatively common, symptomatic cases where pain and discomfort are noticeable tend to be rare. These tears most frequently affect the area under the second metatarsophalangeal joint.
Symptoms include:
- Tenderness and swelling in the front part of the foot
- Pain in the forefoot, especially during activities
- A sense of instability in the toe joints
Diagnosing Plantar Plate Tears:
A healthcare provider will typically begin with a physical examination of the forefoot. To determine the extent and severity of the injury, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs might be conducted.
Treatment Options:
Initial treatment often involves non-invasive methods:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and reduce swelling
- Icing to soothe the affected area
- Rest to allow the foot to heal naturally
Additionally, to aid in pain relief and correct foot biomechanics:
- Orthotics or custom shoe inserts might be used to redistribute pressure away from the injured area
- Braces can provide stability and support
- Physiotherapy may help strengthen the foot and improve joint function
If these conservative approaches are insufficient in relieving symptoms and restoring function, surgical intervention might be considered.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue supporting the foot arch, becomes irritated and inflamed. Think of the plantar fascia as a sturdy elastic band stretching from the heel to the toes, aiding in shock absorption and body weight support.
Recent research suggests that plantar fasciitis can result from various factors. One major factor is overuse or repetitive strain on the plantar fascia, which can arise from activities like running, walking, or standing for extended periods. Additionally, tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons can exert pressure on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation. Other factors contributing to plantar fasciitis include foot mechanics and footwear. For instance, having high arches or flat feet can increase stress on the plantar fascia, heightening injury risk. Wearing shoes lacking proper arch support or cushioning can strain the plantar fascia, particularly during high-impact activities.
The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest. Pain may gradually diminish as the foot loosens up during the day but can intensify with extended activity. Some individuals may also experience pain along the foot’s bottom or arch stiffness.
Rest and activity modification: Allowing the foot time to rest and avoiding activities exacerbating the condition can alleviate inflammation and facilitate healing.
Stretching exercises: Stretching the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can relieve tension on the plantar fascia and enhance flexibility.
Orthotics: Using supportive shoe inserts or orthotic devices can furnish additional cushioning and arch support, reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
Physiotherapy: Collaborating with a physical therapist can bolster foot and ankle muscle strength, enhance biomechanics, and mitigate pain.
For severe cases, treatments like corticosteroid injections or extracorporeal shock wave therapy may be considered, typically for individuals unresponsive to conservative treatments.
Sesamoiditis
Seasmoiditis is inflammation of the sesamoid bones, two small bones beneath the big toe joint. Think of them like tiny shock absorbers for your foot, helping it move smoothly. When these bones get irritated from activities like running or dancing, they can become inflamed, causing pain and discomfort, especially when pushing off with the big toe or bending the foot.
Seasmoiditis is common among athletes and those who put repetitive stress on their feet. It’s essential to address it early to prevent worsening pain and potential complications. With proper care and management, most people can recover and return to their normal activities without significant issues.
Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Treatment typically involves rest, icing, and wearing supportive footwear to alleviate pressure. The aim of management is to offload the sesamoids and reduce the pressure to allow healing to occur if the bones have become stressed or to allow the inflammation to settle down. Conservative treatment can take a long time to take full effect and it is a combined approach with the right orthotics, physiotherapy input and cushioned footwear. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or, rarely, surgery might be necessary.
Shin Splints
Shin splints refer to pain and swelling along the shinbone (tibia), typically caused by repetitive stress on the bone. This condition is common among individuals who engage in heavy physical activities with inadequate rest and improper body mechanics. If not properly managed, shin splints can lead to more severe complications such as stress fractures.
Symptoms include:
- Redness or swelling along the shin area
- Pain that intensifies during physical activities
- Often, symptoms appear on both legs simultaneously
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, involves a relatively straightforward process. A healthcare provider will examine the patient’s medical history, their participation in sports, and conduct a physical assessment to confirm the presence of the condition.
Treatment:
The primary treatment for shin splints is sufficient rest, typically for a few weeks. This rest period helps alleviate the stress that contributes to the pain and swelling. Additional treatments include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling.
- Applying ice to the affected area to lessen swelling and discomfort.
- Stretching exercises to relieve tension in the muscles around the shins.
- Wearing well-fitted shoes that provide adequate support during physical activities.
If the shin splints have a biomechanical origin, such as flat feet or tight calf muscles, addressing these underlying issues is crucial for long-term relief. This may involve using orthotics to support the foot arch or modifying exercise routines to reduce strain on the shins. Physiotherapy can also be beneficial, particularly if the initial rest period does not completely resolve the symptoms. This comprehensive approach helps manage and eventually overcome shin splints by correcting the factors that contribute to the condition.
