Football Foot & Ankle Injuries

Football foot & ankle injuries can occur due to running, side to side cutting, or from direct trauma, such as from another player during a tackle. They should be aware of the following risks:

Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.

Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.

Contusions and bone bruises may also result from high impact during tackling.

Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.

The appropriate footwear should include a good amount of high ankle support.  This support is especially important for linemen and other players who make frequent lateral movements during play.