Summer is a time for outdoor activities and fun in the sun, but it's also a season when foot and ankle pain are more common. Whether you're walking on the beach, playing sports, or simply spending more time on your feet, summer activities can put a strain on these complex structures. Foot and ankle injuries can range from mild sprains to more serious fractures, and they can have a significant impact on your daily life.
At Jefferson Orthopedic Clinic, our foot and ankle orthopedic specialists are committed to compassionate care to help you recover from injury, and find relief.
Here are some foot and ankle injuries to avoid this summer.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are one of the most common foot and ankle injuries that occur during the summer months. This injury typically occurs when the ankle is forced to twist or turn beyond its normal range of motion, causing damage to the ligaments that hold the bones in place. People who participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, running, or playing sports are particularly susceptible to ankle sprains, as uneven terrain and sudden movements can put stress on the ankles.
Symptoms of an ankle sprain may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. In some cases, a popping sound may be heard at the time of injury. Ankle sprains are typically graded on a scale of 1-3, with grade 1 being the least severe and grade 3 being the most severe.
Treatment options for ankle sprains vary depending on the severity of the injury and may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE therapy), physical therapy, or in some cases, surgery. To prevent ankle sprains during the summer, it's important to wear appropriate footwear with good support and traction, warm up properly before physical activity, and avoid uneven or unstable surfaces.
By taking these precautions, you can reduce your risk of ankle sprains and other foot and ankle injuries, and enjoy all that summer has to offer without the worry of injury.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is another common foot and ankle injury that can occur during the summer months. This injury occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, becomes inflamed and irritated. High-impact activities such as running, jumping, and playing sports can put significant stress on the Achilles tendon, increasing the risk of injury. Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis may include pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness in the back of the heel or ankle. In some cases, a popping or snapping sensation may be felt at the time of injury. Treatment options for Achilles tendonitis typically involve rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE therapy), physical therapy, and in some cases, immobilization with a cast or brace.
To prevent Achilles tendonitis during the summer, it's important to wear appropriate footwear with good support and cushioning, warm up properly before physical activity, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. It's also important to stretch the calf muscles regularly to help prevent tightness and strain on the Achilles tendon.
Flat Feet
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, can be another common foot condition that occurs during the summer months. Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse or become less pronounced, causing the soles of the feet to touch the ground completely. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including foot pain, swelling, fatigue, and difficulty standing or walking for extended periods of time. Flat feet can occur due to a variety of factors, including genetics, injury, obesity, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions.
During the summer months, engaging in activities such as walking or hiking barefoot on uneven surfaces, or wearing sandals or flip-flops that offer little support can exacerbate this condition and increase the risk of injury. Treatment options for flat feet may include custom orthotics, physical therapy, or in severe cases, surgery.
To prevent flat feet during the summer, it's important to wear supportive footwear with good arch support and cushioning. Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces or uneven terrain, and incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises into your daily routine.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures in the feet are a common injury that can occur during the summer months. Stress fractures are tiny cracks or fissures in the bones of the feet that can be caused by overuse, repetitive impact, or sudden changes in physical activity. People who engage in high-impact activities such as running, jumping, or playing sports are particularly susceptible to stress fractures, as these activities can put significant stress on the bones of the feet.
Symptoms of a stress fracture may include pain, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Treatment options for stress fractures may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE therapy), immobilization with a cast or brace, and in some cases, surgery. To prevent stress fractures during the summer, it's important to gradually increase the intensity and duration of physical activity, wear appropriate footwear with good shock absorption and support, and avoid hard or uneven surfaces that can increase the risk of injury.
If you experience any symptoms of a stress fracture, it's important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent further damage and ensure proper healing.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is another common foot condition that can occur during the summer months. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed or irritated. This can cause pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the heel or arch of the foot, particularly after long periods of standing or walking. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including overuse, high arches or flat feet, obesity, and wearing shoes with inadequate support or cushioning.
During the summer months, engaging in activities such as walking or running on hard surfaces, wearing sandals or flip-flops that offer little support or cushioning, and going barefoot can exacerbate this condition and increase the risk of injury. Treatment options for plantar fasciitis may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE therapy), physical therapy, custom orthotics, and in severe cases, surgery.
To prevent plantar fasciitis during the summer, it's important to wear supportive footwear with good arch support and cushioning, avoid going barefoot on hard surfaces, and incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises into your daily routine.
By taking these precautions, you can help prevent plantar fasciitis and other common foot conditions, and enjoy all the summer activities that you love, without experiencing discomfort or pain.
If you're struggling with foot or ankle pain, contact our expert team of orthopedic specialists at Jefferson Orthopedic Clinic for comprehensive care, or schedule a free consultation directly from our website.
