Five Common Foot Injuries and How to Prevent Them
Aside from ingrown toenails and diabetic footcare, there are other frequent conditions seen by a foot doctor. To name other common problems, they include ankle sprain, tear of the Achilles tendon, plantar fasciitis, stress fracture, and bunion. Take care of your feet!
This awareness campaign is brought to you by the Coruña Foot and Ankle Institute (CFAI). Seek medical advice only from qualified healthcare professionals. This material is strictly for educational purposes only. CFAI is managed by an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon in the Philippines based in Bacolod City.
Ankle Sprain. A sprain happens when one or more of the ligaments or connective tissue around your ankle have been stretched or torn.
How to avoid it: Warm up and stretch before any activity, and wear proper athletic shoes.
Achilles Tear. The Achilles is the largest tendon in the body! It can easily be injured from high impact and overuse.
How to avoid it: Warm up your legs by doing calf wall stretches with knees bent. You can also try ankle pumps.
Plantar Fasciitis. You might have plantar fasciitis if you feel a stabbing pain when stepping with your foot in the morning, or when you have been standing for a long time.
How to avoid it: Lose weight, avoid high-impact activities, and wear proper footwear.
Stress Fracture. Foot bones can suffer damage from repetitive stress injuries. This is common in athletes who lift heavy objects and soldiers marching.
How to avoid it: Use proper footwear and make gradual changes in intensity, frequency, and duration of training regimen.
Bunion. A bunion is a bump on the big toe that could either be caused by genetic foot deformities or by wearing shoes that are too tight, forcing the toes together.
How to avoid it: Use shoes with wide toe boxes. High heels may encourage stress on all toes by forcing into such a cramped space, leading to pain.