PICKLEBALL

The Achilles tendon, stretches from the calf muscle to the heel and although it is the strongest tendon in the body, it is prone to overuse injuries. Normal play and moves in many sports and activities place incredible stress on the tendon making it prone to tendonitis. This inflammation of the tendon leads to pain and stiffness in the calf and a limited range of motion.

Possibly the most common sports injuries are ankle sprains to varying degrees of severity. At some point in an athlete’s career, he or she will experience at least one ankle sprain. When they do occur, proper rehabilitation and conditioning are critical. Studies show that players who have had an ankle sprain are five times more likely to suffer repeat injuries.

Neuromas are a benign growth of nerve tissue which are also known as “pinched nerves”. The majority of these those who develop these growths are woman. There are several causes of neuromas but the one that is applicable to the subjects discussed here is repeated stress common to many sports and occupations. They often occur between the third and fourth toes and cause pain, a burning sensation, tingling or numbness between the toes and the ball of the foot. It should be noted that trauma can also cause damage to nerves resulting in inflammation or swelling of the nerve.

The two peroneal tendons in the foot run side by side behind the outer ankle bone. Peroneal tendon injuries may be sudden caused by trauma or develop over time due repetitive ankle motion and overuse. Players with higher arches are at risk for developing peroneal tendon injuries causing pain and swelling. Peroneal tears cause weakness or instability of the foot and ankle.

Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the Plantar Fasciia. It is a thick band of tissue at the bottom of your foot that runs from your heel to toes. It is an injury that can occur all at once due to an accident, fall, sudden impact and overstretching. It can also occur over time progressing due repetitive movement and overuse. It can become debilitating.

Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the sesamoid bones in the ball of the foot and the tendons they are embedded in. It’s usually caused by overuse, especially by dancers, runners and athletes who frequently bear weight on the balls of their feet.

While tendons and muscles bend and stretch, your bones are rigid. When especially young athletes place constant stress on their bones, this injury can occur. A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone brought on by repeated direct stress to a particular spot.