Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Field hockey is a fast-paced sport played on turf or grass, where players use curved sticks to hit a ball toward the opposing team’s goal. Popular worldwide, the sport demands quick movements, sudden stops, and rapid direction changes, all of which put players at risk for ankle sprains. Ankle sprains happen when the foot twists awkwardly, overstretching or tearing ligaments. In field hockey, this can occur from cutting movements, uneven playing surfaces, or accidental contact with another player’s stick or foot. Other common foot and ankle injuries in this sport include fractures, tendonitis, and turf toe, often caused by wearing improper footwear, and the high-impact nature of the game. Wearing supportive shoes, strengthening the ankle muscles, and taping or bracing weak ankles can help prevent injuries. If you enjoy playing field hockey and have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.
Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries
The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Ankle Sprains
Broken Foot
Plantar Fasciitis
Stress Fractures
Turf Toe
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.
Treatment
Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Newark, DE. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Pronation and supination describe how the feet move during walking or running. Pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward, placing more weight on the inside edge, often flattening the arch. Supination is the opposite, with the foot rolling outward and weight shifting to the outer edge. Both are natural motions, but when either is excessive, it can lead to imbalance and discomfort. Overpronation may result in pain in the arch, heel, or ankle, while too much supination can strain the outer foot and cause heel pain or calluses. The uneven wear on shoe soles can often reveal if a person’s gait leans inward or outward. Factors such as high arches, leg length differences, past injuries, or prolonged standing on hard surfaces can contribute to these gait patterns. A podiatrist can assess the alignment of your foot and ankle, examine the extent of pronation or supination, and recommend orthotics or footwear changes to reduce strain and prevent further injury. If you have gait issues that are causing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, possible gait analysis, and treatment options.
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Newark, DE. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, particularly those who are active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and tension from the Achilles tendon. This condition is most common during periods of rapid growth, when bones lengthen faster than muscles and tendons can adapt. Causes include excessive running, jumping, and footwear that lacks adequate support. Symptoms include pain and tenderness at the back of the heel, swelling, and difficulty walking or participating in physical activities. The discomfort may worsen with activity and improve with rest. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and manage Sever’s disease.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Newark, DE. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
