Key Points
• Sports are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, but they can also increase your risk of injury.
• Sprains, fractures, and athlete’s foot are some of the most common conditions that can affect the feet.
• To reduce the risk of injury, make sure to stretch properly before and after exercise, use proper form, and don’t ignore wounds or impacts.
Running, jumping, hitting or kicking a ball are actions that we commonly perform when we play sports. What happens if something goes wrong?
Learn more about what the most common foot injuries are and how to treat them.
Sprained ankle
A sprained ankle is one of the most common sports injuries. It happens when the ankle ligaments overstretch or tear, usually from forcing the joint to move in an unnatural position.
The most common symptoms of a sprained ankle are:
• Joint or muscle pain
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Skin color changes
To treat it, your doctor may recommend:
• Applying ice
• Firmly wrapping the ankle with a bandage
• Keeping the swollen joint elevated
• Avoiding putting weight on the joint
Fracture
A fracture occurs when more pressure is applied to a bone than the bone can stand, causing it to crack or break.
The three main options for treating fractures are:
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• Immobilization with a splint
• Open reduction and internal fixation: This is a surgical procedure that uses rods, plates, or screws that are fixed under the skin to repair the bone.
• Open reduction and external fixation: This is a surgical procedure in which a device is placed on top of the skin to support the bone and keep it in the right position while it heals.
Ingrown toenail
This condition, also known as onychocryptosis, is when the toenails (especially that of the big toe) grow into the skin.
The most common symptoms are:
• Pain, which in many cases can prevent you from doing daily activities
• Swelling
• Redness
To treat it, your doctor may recommend:
• Soaking the affected foot in warm water to reduce swelling and sensitivity
• Applying antibiotic creams
• Using painkillers, such as paracetamol/acetaminophen (Tylenol and others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others), and naproxen sodium (Aleve), to relieve pain
• Wearing comfortable shoes to avoid worsening the toe’s condition
Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that usually starts and develops between the toes.
To treat this condition, doctors recommend:
• Over-the-counter fungal creams or powders
• Washing the feet well with soap and water, then thoroughly drying the area
• Keeping the feet clean and dry, especially between the toes
• Wearing clean cotton socks and changing them regularly as necessary
• Wearing sandals or flipflops in public showers
• Wearing shoes that are well ventilated and made of a natural material, like leather.
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