Our bodies are our assets and when something goes wrong with them, it can greatly impact our season or entire career. For that reason, it’s imperative that we maintain our bodies well, ensuring that they get the nutrients they need to function and stay healthy, as well as taking any injuries or issues seriously when they pop up.
One of the most used parts of the body for athletes is their feet. Whether you’re a sprinter, strongman, or tennis player, your feet are constantly put under immense pressure as you train and compete. So, it’s no wonder that they’re likely one of the body parts that’ll get injured. In this article, we’ll give you advice on spotting a foot injury and dealing with it before it gets progressively worse.
What are the signs that you may have a foot injury?
Our feet are among the most used parts of our bodies. So, when something is wrong with them, you’re bound to know one way or another. In cases of a foot injury, there could be several symptoms that might indicate that something is wrong. If you have one of the following symptoms, then it’s likely that your foot is injured and you need to seek medical attention:
- If you have severe pain and swelling anywhere on your foot
- If your foot isn’t’ able to handle any weight
- You might hear a pop or a tearing sound – this might indicate a dislocation or tear
- Redness, warmth, or tenderness in an area that might be signs of an infection
Some of the most common injuries people experience on their feet aren’t as severe as a ligament tear or dislocation. Sprains or sports-related injuries, like Plantar fasciitis, can occur pretty fast while you compete or train. Common foot injuries that are helpful to know:
- Hammertoe – A deformity of the second, third, and fourth toes that causes them to bend at the middle joint
- Achilles tendonitis – can result in the Achilles tendon stiffening and becoming painful
- Bunions – occur when a joint of the big toe shifts, causing a bump of bone that forms at the base of your big toe
- A fallen arch – the posterior tibial tendon can wear over time or get injured. As a result, it can lower the arch on your foot, causing the bottom of your foot to become flat
- Sprains – this occurs when a ligament stretches rapidly or tears, resulting in pain and swelling
- Breaks – in severe cases, impact or tension placed on your foot bones can cause them to fracture or break, leading to swelling and pain
What are your treatment options?
In severe cases, the best treatment plan starts with a visit to the doctor. They’ll advise you on the best treatment plan going forward, especially if there’s a break involved. In regards to other issues, like a pulled ligament or stiffness in the joints, consider consulting a foot specialist like The Feet People. They’ll assist you in managing any pain and relieving it if possible. In addition to that, they’ll also provide you with tips to keep your feet healthy so you can continue in your daily activities.
Can you treat foot injuries at home?
Definitely, some smaller injuries don’t require you to spend the money to see a doctor when some simple downtime is needed to recover. For slight sprains or a stubbed toe, you’ll probably see improvements in how you’re feeling in a few days. So, how do you know if it’s not serious? Well, serious foot issues almost always hinder your ability to use your foot completely. At the same time, stubbing your toe does not disable you.
How long should you rest for?
Recovery time is tricky to nail down as most people recover at different rates. Also, recovery times change depending on the severity of your injury. So, for example, if you’ve sprained your ankle partially, it may take between one to three weeks to heal fully. But, if it’s a serious sprain, it might take several months to heal properly. The best suggestion we could give here is to contact a professional and get advice on how long you should rest.
Getting up and exercising again before you’re fully recovered could make the injury worse and put you on the bench for even longer.
Final Thoughts
The sooner you address an injury in your foot, the better! Look out for signs of pain, bad blood flow, or pressure points that interfere with your ability to walk or run. Make sure that you get the appropriate treatment for your condition and rest for the full duration of the recovery period so that you’re hundreds when it heals. This way, you’ll increase your chances of getting back into the game in your given sport.
