As Summer sporting activities begin to launch as the weather improves, athletes need to be aware of some of the most common injuries that can occur like stress fractures or plantar fasciitis. These injuries can be devastating if you have a strict training program by sidelining either your training or team involvement while waiting for injuries to heal. The team at Functional Foot & Ankle Group are able to not only treat common sport related foot injuries, but help you avoid them in the first place by recommending careful and gradual training implementation. Here are some of the most common injuries to avoid this Summer: 1. STRESS FRACTURE Stress fractures are most often experienced by athletes that participate in high-impact sports like running, basketball, tennis, football and gymnastics. Stress fractures happen when the feet experience repetitive stress, pressure or acute injuries. This type of fracture is not a broken bone; A stress fracture is a small crack in the surface of the bone. They usually occur in the middle of the foot and toward the front of the foot and should be diagnosed and treated by an experienced podiatrist. 2. PLANTAR FASCIITIS Plantar fasciitis is most often experienced by athletes or people who spend a lot of time on their feet. It occurs when the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) supporting the arch stretches and tears. Once this happens, it becomes inflamed and causes pain and discomfort commonly upon rising out of bed or after periods of rest. Sufferers can experience pain in the heel or in the area of the arch. The team at Functional Foot & Ankle Group have effective treatment plans for Plantar Fasciitis. 3. ACHILLES TENDINITIS Another common sports-related foot injury involves the Achilles tendon. This tendon is the largest tendon in the body, and when it is overused or as it wears down over time, Achilles tendonitis can occur. Many cases of Achilles tendonitis can be treated at home but it’s important that the condition is diagnosed by a podiatrist and a comprehensive treatment plan created to ensure the best final result is achieved. In extreme cases, failing to address achilles tendonitis can result in the need for surgery. 4. NEUROMA If you have recently experienced pain in the ball of your foot or tingling or numbness, chances are you are suffering from a neuroma. This is a foot condition that occurs when there is pressure on a nerve in the forefoot. People who have neuroma also experience pain between their toes while walking, feeling of numbness or tingling in their toes. Neuromas can be a result of mechanical pressure, anatomical shape of the patient’s feet or tight calves, incorrect shoe size or style or trauma to the foot commonly. Athletes will find this debilitating at times and best to get it sorted quickly with simple, often cost effective solutions. 5. BIG TOE PAIN This can be a common and painful problem, as it is your main propulsive leaver during activity. In short, the big toe and its joint provides a lever arm giving your foot the “spring in its step”. If your big toe joint isn’t functioning at its best, there can be osteoarthritis, bunions (Hallux Abducto-Valgus), Sesamoiditis or Bursitis to name a few. Our Podiatrists are experienced in assessing and treating such problems with a variety of methods, providing education, treatment and planning to get you back to sport quickly and effectively. D  on’t let sports-related foot injuries like keep you out of the game. If you’re suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, book an appointment with one of our team to properly diagnose and treat your condition and get you primed for Summer training.