Foot and ankle injuries are quite common in sport. Luckily, the most common sports injuries are simple sprains and strains, but serious injuries can happen as well.
More serious sports injuries range from bone fractures, joint dislocations and cartilage damage to severe ligament tears or ruptures of the Achilles or other ankle tendons.
General treatments
The most common treatment recommended for an injury is rest, ice, compression and elevation, and referral as required, or RICER.
Rest
Avoid activities that may aggravate the injury.
Ice
Ice packs can be applied to the injured area to help reduce swelling and pain. Ice should be applied over a towel on the affected area for 15–20 minutes, four times a day, for several days. Never place ice directly on the skin.
Compression
Compression of the injured area also helps reduce swelling. You can use elastic wraps (ie. tubigrip), air casts and splints to reduce swelling.
Elevation
Elevate the injured part above your heart level to reduce swelling and pain.
Refer
See your GP, sports medicine physician or orthopaedic surgeon if the injury is not getting better with simple treatment.
Common foot and ankle sports injuries
Follow the links to read more about these injuries:
- Ankle Sprains and Chronic Instability
- High Ankle (Syndesmosis) Sprains
- Achilles Tendon Ruptures
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Turf Toe
- Stress Fractures
- Ankle Fractures
