Foot & Ankle Injuries In Winter Sports

Common Causes of Foot & Ankle Injuries

Several factors contribute to injuries in winter sports, including:

1. Overuse Injuries

Repeated stress on muscles, tendons, and ligaments—especially in running and jumping sports—can lead to conditions like Achilles tendonitis and stress fractures.

2. Poor Biomechanics

Foot posture issues such as overpronation (flat feet), muscle imbalances, and restricted mobility can increase strain on the lower limbs, leading to chronic pain or injury.

3. Impact Injuries

Collisions with players, hard landings, or falls can cause sprains, strains, and fractures—common in contact sports like AFL and soccer.

4. Inadequate Footwear

Shoes that lack support, stability, or cushioning increase the risk of ankle sprains and overuse injuries. Wearing the wrong shoes for your sport can significantly affect performance and injury risk.

5. Playing Surface

Hard surfaces like artificial turf or concrete reduce shock absorption, leading to increased stress on the feet and ankles.

1. Ankle Sprains

A rolled or twisted ankle can overstretch or tear the ligaments, causing swelling, bruising, and instability typically on the outside of the ankle. This is common in sports like soccer, AFL, and hockey, where quick direction changes and uneven landings increase the risk.

2. Achilles Tendonitis

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon occurs due to tight calves, overuse, or improper footwear. It’s common in running and jumping sports and can worsen over time, potentially leading to a partial or complete tear if left untreated.

3. Foot & Ankle Fractures

• Traumatic fractures result from high-impact collisions or falls, causing severe pain and swelling.
• Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone from repetitive impact, often seen in runners and endurance athletes, starting as a dull ache that worsens with activity.

Early treatment is essential to prevent long-term damage and ensure proper recovery.

How We Treat & Prevent Sports Injuries at The Foot Clinic

1. RICE Method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

Essential for reducing swelling and pain immediately after an injury. However, professional assessment is still necessary to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

2. Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

Strengthening, stretching, and range-of-motion exercises are crucial for rehabilitation and preventing re-injury. This should be based around improving your strength, balance and mobility.

3. Custom Orthotics & Supportive Footwear

✔ Orthotics provide arch support, shock absorption, and improved foot alignment to reduce strain on damaged areas and prevent it recurring.
✔ Ankle braces offer stability and prevent further injury 
✔ Proper footwear enhances biomechanics and reduces strain on the lower limbs.

4. Advanced Therapies for Recovery

🔹 Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) – Reduces swelling, stimulates healing, and accelerates recovery.
🔹 Shockwave Therapy – Helps treat chronic injuries by breaking down scar tissue and promoting regeneration.
🔹 Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT) – Manual manipulation to restore joint alignment and function.

It's important to note that while acute treatments can help provide relief and promote healing, it's essential to follow a comprehensive treatment plan that includes both acute and long-term management strategies to prevent reinjury and promote overall foot and ankle health. At The Foot Clinic, we can help diagnose your injury and develop an appropriate treatment plan based on the severity of your injury and your individual needs.

The best time to see your Podiatrist is early in the development of symptoms. Take your first step back to pain free book in for a Biomechanical Assessment with one of our experienced Podiatrists today!