Football players can receive injuries to the foot and ankle 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:
- InversionĀ ankle sprainsĀ can damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated withĀ peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
- Ankle fractures,Ā metatarsal fractures, andĀ 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 toĀ heel pain (plantar fasciitis),Ā Achilles tendonitis,Ā sesamoiditis,Ā stress fractures,Ā posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), andĀ calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.