Field hockey – Common foot problems
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Field hockey requires a combination of speed, endurance and agility. Players are continuously changing speed and direction at a moments notice. The nature of the game as well as the hard surfaces it is often played on cause a much higher force being placed through your lower limbs. combine this with potential joint misalignment and you are much more prone to injury.
Common hockey foot and ankle injuries include:
Inversion ankle sprains
Inversion ankle sprains occur most commonly from quick lateral movements when the lateral ankle structures have more stress placed through it than it can handle, causing it to tear. People who have had ankle sprains previously are more susceptible to reinjuring. Ankle strapping and bracing can reduce this risk.
Turf Toe
Turf toe is the common term used to describe a sprain of the ligaments around the big toe joint. It is caused by repeatedly pushing off the big toe forcefully.
Shin Splints
The Location of shin pain is along the lower half of the shin, anywhere from a few inches above the ankle to about halfway up the shin. Pain and stiffness is felt in the shin during and after exercise. Shin splints are commonly caused by poor footwear, sudden increases in training, biomechanics and alignment discrepancy. Find out more here.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is classified by heel pain which is most painful in the morning or after extended periods of rest, which may improve once the foot warms up. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot injuries caused by poor foot biomechanics, footwear and sudden training increases.
Achilles Tendonitis
This condition occurs when the tendon and its sheath become inflamed or when there are tears within the tendon. Injury to the Achilles tendon can occur as a result of extremely tight calf muscles, poor foot mechanics such as over pronation and flat feet, poor footwear, repeated quick movements and over training. Find out more here.
Corns and Calluses
Due to the way hockey players move, along with ill-fitting footwear, higher friction and pressure can occur, causing painful conditions like ingrown toenails, corns and calluses.
If you have been experiencing pain or discomfort in your feet or ankles when playing hockey it’s important to get it looked at sooner rather than later to minimise the amount of time spent off the field. Contact us on (02) 4356 2588 to book an appointment, or book online via the button below.
Thanks to Coast Sport Podiatrist Will for preparing this blog. You can find out more about Will here.
Will practices as a Podiatrist at both Toukley (Toukley Family Practice) and Tuggerah (Tuggerah Medical Centre and Coast Sport).
Helping the Central Coast Feel Well, Move Well and Perform Well!