Common Foot Injuries in Sports

For athletes, movement is life. Sometimes repetitive movement or other sports-related hazards can put athletes at risk of injuries, such as bone fractures.

Stress fractures are more common in female athletes due to lower bone mass, and according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, approximately 6 percent of all fractures reported in primary care settings are metatarsal fractures. Fractures in the fifth metatarsal often occur in soccer players. The three most common causes of stress fractures are trauma, osteoporosis and overuse.

The metatarsals are the long bones located in the middle of the foot that connect to the toes. This portion of the body is susceptible to both stress fractures from repetitive use—common among dancers and runners—and traumatic injuries, often found among football players and others who participate in high-impact sports.

While traumatic breaks are often caused by obvious single impacts such as falling or being crushed, stress fractures can be more difficult to identify. Repetitive use fatigues muscles and puts stress on bones, and overuse can cause small cracks to form. With sufficient rest, bones can often mend minor cracks on their own, but repetitive use, or increased strain caused by starting a new or more rigorous program of activity, can leave bones damaged without sufficient recovery time to heal.

Often the first symptom of a metatarsal stress fracture is discomfort in the middle area of the foot during activity. Initially, the pain may take time to appear, and clear up after resting the foot. As the damage progresses, pain will begin appearing earlier into activity and rest will no longer alleviate discomfort. The area may become inflamed and/or painful to touch.

Pay attention to any discomfort you experience, and stop and rest your foot if you feel pain. Seek medical attention if the pain continues or does not lessen in a few days.

A physician can diagnose metatarsal fractures. This process includes a thorough evaluation of risk factors and behavior, followed by medical imaging. Early stage stress fractures may not be visible in an X-ray, and additional imaging with a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary to confirm diagnosis.

Metatarsal fractures are often treated non-surgically following the RICE method of rest, ice, compression and elevation. Immobilization with a cast or boot to keep weight off the foot and bone are other conservative methods of treatment.

Surgery may be necessary if the bone is displaced or fails to heal correctly. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, most stress fractures take between six and eight weeks to heal.

When it comes to protecting your feet, prevention is the best medicine. Minimize your risk of developing stress fractures by easing in to any new activity incrementally. Giving your muscles time to adapt will keep strain off your bones, reducing your risk of breaks. Cross train to use different muscles and engage in alternating activities so that stress is spread out evenly throughout the body.

Opt for properly fitted specialized footwear, such as cleats for soccer. Replace worn-out gear regularly. Stay active and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, D and K, plus calcium to build healthy bones that can stand up to wear and tear. Listen to your body, and rest if you feel pain. Follow up with a physician if your condition fails to improve or worsens.

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