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Sports are a great way to stay healthy, active, and strong—but they can also place major stress on the feet and ankles. Whether you are an athlete, runner, or weekend warrior, sports injuries can happen suddenly or develop gradually from overuse. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to chronic foot pain, ankle pain, and long-term mobility issues.
At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona, Alex Stewart, DPM, FACFAS and Antonius Su, DPM provide expert care for sports injuries in Chandler, Arizona, as well as nearby cities like Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe. If you are dealing with pain from an injury, visit www.advancedfootankle.com or call (480) 963-9000.
What are the top 5 foot and ankle sports injuries?
The most common sports-related foot and ankle injuries we see include:
- Ankle sprains
- Achilles tendinitis / Achilles injuries
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Stress fractures
- Peroneal tendon injuries
Each condition may present differently, but they all share an important pattern: early treatment reduces healing time and helps prevent chronic problems.
1) What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn. This typically happens when the foot rolls inward, injuring the lateral ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Ankle sprains are extremely common in sports that involve cutting, jumping, quick movements, or uneven terrain.
What causes ankle sprains in sports?
Common causes include:
- Sudden twists or falls
- Jumping and landing incorrectly
- Quick direction changes
- Playing on uneven surfaces
What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain?
Symptoms may include:
- Sudden ankle pain after twisting the ankle
- Swelling and bruising
- Instability or weakness
- Pain with walking or standing
- Reduced range of motion
How is an ankle sprain diagnosed and treated?
At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona, your podiatrist may recommend:
- X-rays to rule out fractures
- Ultrasound for ligament or tendon assessment
- Foot and ankle therapy for strength and stability
- Foot and ankle immbilization or bracing when appropriate
- Custom orthotics to reduce instability and prevent re-injury
If you’re experiencing an ankle sprain in Chandler, early treatment can make a major difference and reduce your risk of repeat sprains.
2) What is Achilles tendinitis or an Achilles injury?
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendinitis is an overuse condition caused by repetitive strain, commonly seen in runners, basketball players, and athletes who increase activity too quickly.
What causes Achilles injuries?
Common causes include:
- Increased training intensity or mileage
- Tight calf muscles
- Poor footwear support
- Running hills or sprinting frequently
What are the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis?
Symptoms may include:
- Pain or stiffness in the back of the ankle
- Heel pain, especially in the morning
- Tenderness or swelling along the tendon
- Pain that worsens with activity
How is Achilles tendinitis treated?
Treatment options may include:
- Activity modification and stretching guidance
- MLS Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation and pain
- Foot and ankle therapy to improve mobility and strengthen supporting muscles
- Boot immobilization or Ankle Bracing for better support
- Custom orthotics to improve alignment and reduce strain
If Achilles pain is ignored, it can lead to tendon degeneration or even rupture—so early evaluation is critical.
3) What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in athletes. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. Overuse or repetitive stress can cause inflammation and microtears, leading to significant discomfort.
What causes plantar fasciitis in athletes?
Risk factors include:
- Running on hard surfaces
- Tight calves or Achilles tendon
- Flat feet or high arches
- Poor footwear support
- Sudden increase in activity
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Symptoms may include:
- Sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning
- Pain after running or long periods of standing
- Arch pain or tightness
- Pain that improves with movement but returns later
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
Our team may recommend:
- Physical exam and imaging if needed
- MLS Laser Therapy for inflammation reduction
- Foot and ankle therapy for stretching and strengthening
- Supportive shoe recommendations
- Custom orthotics for long-term arch support and pressure redistribution
If you're searching for heel pain treatment in Chandler, this is one of the most common diagnoses—and one of the most treatable with early care.
4) What is a stress fracture?
A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone caused by repeated impact. Unlike a sudden fracture from trauma, stress fractures develop gradually and worsen over time.
Stress fractures are common in:
- Runners
- Track and field athletes
- Basketball players
- Military and high-impact training participants
What are the symptoms of a stress fracture?
Symptoms may include:
- Pain that gradually worsens with activity
- Pain that improves with rest
- Localized swelling
- Pain when pressing over a specific area
How are stress fractures diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis may include:
- X-rays (though early stress fractures may not always show)
- Ultrasound imaging or advanced imaging when needed
Treatment may include:
- Activity restriction and immobilization
- MLS Laser Therapy for inflammation reduction
- Physical therapy
- Supportive devices to protect the bone
- Gradual return-to-sport guidance
- Custom orthotics for long-term arch support and correct biomechanics and prevent recurrence
If you suspect a stress fracture, do not “push through it.” Continuing to train can worsen the injury significantly.
5) What are peroneal tendon injuries?
The peroneal tendons run along the outside of the ankle and help stabilize the foot during movement. These injuries are common in cutting sports, trail running, and individuals with ankle instability.
What causes peroneal tendon injuries?
Causes may include:
- Overuse and repetitive running
- Repeated ankle sprains
- Ankle instability
- High-arched foot structure
What are the symptoms of peroneal tendinitis?
Symptoms may include:
- Pain on the outside of the ankle or foot
- Swelling behind the ankle bone
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Feeling of ankle weakness or instability
How is peroneal tendon injury diagnosed and treated?
Treatment options may include:
- Ultrasound to evaluate tendon injury
- MLS Laser Therapy for pain and inflammation
- Foot and ankle therapy to strengthen and stabilize the ankle
- Bracing or supportive footwear
- Custom orthotics to improve mechanics and reduce strain
More severe tendon tears or instability may require surgery depending on the extent of injury.
When should I see a foot and ankle specialist for a sports injury?
You should schedule an evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent foot pain or ankle pain
- Swelling that does not improve
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Instability, weakness, or repeated injuries
- Bruising, numbness, or pain after trauma
Prompt diagnosis and treatment can shorten recovery time and prevent long-term complications.
Where can I get sports injury treatment in Chandler, AZ?
If you’re dealing with a sports injury, the team at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona is here to help. Alex Stewart, DPM, FACFAS and Antonius Su, DPM treat sports-related foot and ankle injuries for patients in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, and surrounding communities.
Learn more about your treatment options here:
What should I do if I’m experiencing foot pain or ankle pain?
If you’re experiencing foot pain, ankle pain, heel pain, or swelling from sports activity, don’t wait—early treatment can prevent worsening injury and speed recovery.
Contact Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona today:
- Website: www.advancedfootankle.com
- Phone: (480) 963-9000
- Book an appointment online: https://www.advancedfootankle.com/contact-us