May 2024

Baseball demands agility, speed, and precise footwork, placing significant strain on the lower extremities, particularly the ankles and feet. Ankle sprains, one of the most prevalent injuries, occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle are overstretched or torn due to sudden twists or impacts. Additionally, conditions like Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis can arise from repetitive stress or inadequate foot support, causing pain and discomfort. To prevent these injuries, players should prioritize proper warm-up exercises to prepare muscles and joints for the demands of the game. Wearing well-fitted, supportive footwear designed for baseball can enhance stability and reduce the risk of injury. Maintaining good conditioning and flexibility through regular strength and flexibility training can improve overall resilience. Emphasizing proper technique, such as avoiding over-striding or landing awkwardly, can also help minimize the risk of ankle and foot injuries. If you have injured your foot or ankle while playing baseball, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and relief tips.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact John Killough, DPM of Regional Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Running injuries can affect runners of all levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. Achilles pain, characterized by discomfort and swelling at the back of the ankle or heel, is a common ailment resulting from the repetitive strain of running. Heel pain, often associated with plantar fasciitis, can feel like a sharp sensation when pressure is applied to the heel or bottom of the foot. To prevent such running injuries, it's important to take proactive measures. First and foremost, wearing the right shoes is essential, but remember, expensive doesn't always mean better. Additionally, warming up properly before a run with brisk walking or gentle jogging for five to 10 minutes can prepare muscles and reduce the risk of injury. Similarly, cooling down post-run with easy-paced jogging or walking helps muscle recovery. Last, avoid the temptation to increase running intensity or distance too rapidly. Build up your running regimen gradually by increasing distance and duration a week at a time. By utilizing these methods, runners can minimize the likelihood of common running injuries. If foot or ankle pain from running persists or worsens, it is suggested that you seek help from a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact John Killough, DPM of Regional Foot Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.