5 Common Foot and Ankle Injuries in Fall Sports (And How to Treat Them)

From football to cross country running, fall is an exciting time for sports. The blistering heat is officially behind us, and we can finally enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about heat exhaustion or instant sunburns. 

But the crisp fall air brings its own set of challenges for athletes. At Align Foot & Ankle Center in Camarillo, California, board-certified podiatrist Hai-En Peng, DPM, FACFAS, sees certain foot and ankle injuries occur more often as fall sports begin. 

Here are the five most common sports injuries Dr. Peng treats during the fall, along with effective treatments to help athletes get back in the game.

1. Ankle sprains

Ankle sprains are common, and around 40% can lead to chronic problems. Many athletes experience these injuries when the ligaments supporting their ankles stretch beyond their normal range during quick direction changes or awkward landings. 

You can get an ankle sprain at any time, but playing football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, field hockey, and other high-impact or cardio-heavy sports can increase your risk.

If you sprain your ankle, you may experience symptoms such as: 

• Pain, swelling, and bruising
• Ankle instability
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Limited range of motion
• Tenderness around the ankle joint
• Stiffness, especially after rest
• Popping sound at the time of injury

Dr. Peng usually begins treatment with the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) protocol combined with anti-inflammatory pain medications. Severe cases may benefit from bracing, physical therapy, or multiwave locked system (MLS) therapy.

2. Stress fractures

If you’re a cross country runner, soccer player, or participate in other high-impact sports, you might develop stress fractures when repetitive force creates tiny cracks in your bones. You’re especially at risk when you return to intensive training without proper conditioning after a break.

Unlike other injuries, stress fracture pain starts small and builds over time. Activity makes it worse, while taking a break usually brings relief. 

Recovery requires stepping back from high-impact activities for at least 6-8 weeks. Dr. Peng may suggest R.I.C.E., protective footwear, and orthotic shoe inserts.

3. Plantar fasciitis

If you suddenly ramp up your training intensity, you might trigger plantar fasciitis. This happens when the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed. 

You’re more likely to deal with this if you participate in sports involving running and sharp movements, like basketball, tennis, or volleyball.

You’ll know you have plantar fasciitis if you experience:

• Sharp, stabbing heel pain, especially first thing in the morning
• Pain that gets better as you move around, but comes back after sitting
• Aching in your foot’s arch
• Pain that gets worse after exercise
• Stiffness in your heel and foot

Treatment starts with stretching exercises for your calf muscles and plantar fascia, along with ice therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. 

Dr. Peng often recommends supportive footwear and custom orthotics, and may suggest physical therapy, MLS laser therapy, or shockwave therapy if the pain continues.

4. Achilles tendonitis

When you rapidly increase your training intensity, you risk developing Achilles tendonitis. This causes inflammation in the tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Running sports, basketball, tennis, and jumping sports put you at highest risk.

You may notice pain and stiffness along your Achilles tendon, especially when you wake up in the morning. Treatment typically includes:

• R.I.C.E.
• Physical therapy
• MLS laser therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Supportive footwear

Dr. Peng may also custom orthotic shoe inserts to cushion your feet and add support while you heal.

5. Turf toe

Turf toe happens when your toe gets jammed or hyperextended. It’s especially common in sports where you regularly push off your toes, like football, soccer, wrestling, and basketball. Playing on artificial hard surfaces can also increase your risk of injury.

The pain centers right at the base of your big toe, and you’ll quickly notice how hard it becomes to push off that foot or even walk normally. 

Minor cases are usually manageable with R.I.C.E., anti-inflammatory medications, and taping the toe to keep it from moving too much. But if the injury is more serious, Dr. Peng might recommend rigid-soled shoes or a walking boot to protect the joint while it heals.

Get specialized fall sports injury care in Camarillo, California

Fall sports injuries can sideline athletes when proper treatment is delayed. At Align Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Peng provides targeted therapy for foot and ankle injuries affecting active individuals.

Contact our Camarillo office today to schedule a consultation and return to your sport safely.