Being physically active has long been applauded as an ingredient for good health, but, according to surgeons at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, doing too much too soon can wreak havoc on the feet and can cause painful overuse injuries: tendonitis, ruptured tendons and stress fractures, to name a few.
Overuse injuries occur in many different sports. Tendonitis (painful inflammation of a tendon) is most commonly associated with the side-by-side or jumping motions performed in activities, such as tennis, soccer and dance. Tendon ruptures (tears in the tendon) are typically linked to sports that use swift, abrupt movements, such as basketball, football and soccer. Stress fractures—small breaks in the bone—are often seen after too vigorously starting a walking routine or in sports that involve running. But any of these injuries can happen with any sport.
Preventive tool is to listen to your body.
In fact, rest is crucial when an overuse injury develops. Doctors recommend that you stop the activity, rest, elevate the foot, apply ice and take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. This gives the injured tissue the opportunity to heal.
If the pain does not improve in three to seven days, however, it is time to see a foot and ankle surgeon.
