3 Foot & Ankle Injuries and the Superstars They Sidelined
At Advanced Feet & Ankle Care, we often see athletes sidelined by foot and ankle problems. Understanding high-profile examples of these injuries can help you prevent and manage your own issues, so below, we’ll look at three common season-enders and what a podiatrist can do to help.
1. Achilles Tendon Rupture
The Injury: A complete tear of the Achilles tendon, the strong band of tissue that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone.
Sports Spotlight: Basketball, football, tennis – sports requiring sudden bursts of speed, jumping, and pivoting.
High-Profile Example: Kevin Durant (NBA) suffered a devastating Achilles rupture during the 2019 NBA Finals.
How it Happens: Often occurs during a sudden push-off or forceful jump. Can also result from chronic Achilles tendonitis.
Podiatrist's Take: A complete Achilles rupture usually requires surgical repair and extensive rehabilitation.
2. Lisfranc Injuries
The Injury: A fracture or dislocation of the bones in the midfoot (the area where the metatarsal bones connect to the tarsal bones).
Sports Spotlight: Football, soccer, basketball – sports involving twisting, pivoting, or direct impact to the foot.
High-Profile Example: Le'Veon Bell (NFL) had this injury and missed much of the 2013 season. Travis Etienne (NFL) was another famous example, missing his entire rookie year.
How it Happens: Often caused by a twisting injury with the foot planted or a direct blow to the foot.
Podiatrist's Take: Lisfranc injuries are serious and often require surgery to realign and stabilize the bones. Misdiagnosis or delayed treatment can lead to chronic pain and arthritis.
3. High Ankle Sprain (Syndesmotic Injury)
The Injury: A sprain of the ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula (the two bones of the lower leg) above the ankle joint (unlike a "low" ankle sprain).
Sports Spotlight: Football, soccer, basketball, skiing – sports with a high risk of ankle twisting and forceful impacts.
High-Profile Example: Technically, Patrick Mahomes (NFL) played through a high ankle sprain in the 2023 playoffs, but this is far from ideal, and it could even lead to chronic instability.
How it Happens: Usually, the foot is forcefully rotated outward or twisted while planted.
Podiatrist's Take: High ankle sprains take longer to heal than typical low ankle sprains and often require immobilization and physical therapy.
We Get You Back in The Game!
What might seem like a minor sprain or strain could actually be a more significant problem. Don’t suffer in silence; instead, contact us for treatment and relief!
Dr. Jason Grossman, Dr. Yaakov Tropper, and Dr. Paul A. Osemene are ready to help at our comfortable, convenient Advanced Feet and Ankle Care offices in Old Bridge, Sayreville, and Freehold. Call (732) 679-4330 to schedule your appointment, or contact us online today!