Whether you’re taking a walk or running a mile, injuries to the feet and ankles are quite common. Some injuries are unavoidable, but there are a few preventive measures you can take to decrease your risk of sustaining an injury.
Injury Prevention Tips
- Choose the right athletic shoe for your foot type
- Properly warm up before any workout
- Avoid running on uneven surfaces
- Condition your muscles
- Listen to your body
Common Types of Foot and Ankle Injuries
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Ankle sprain and strain
- Stress fractures
- Fractures
Treatment Options
Treatment largely depends on the type and severity of the injury. However, for mild sprains and strains, there are a few treatment options that might be effective.
- RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
- Gentle exercise and stretches if pain and swelling subside
- Consider orthopedic shoe devices
- Switch to supportive footwear
When to see your doctor
- Numbness or tingling in the foot and/or ankle
- Signs of infection
- Symptoms do not improve with home treatment
- Symptoms become more severe
