3 Common Foot and Ankle Injuries in Hikers
All hikers enjoy getting out into the great outdoors and exploring all the beauty our mountain communities have to offer. However, if you're not careful, foot and ankle injuries can put a damper on your hiking fun.
So whether you're just hitting the trails for the first time or are a seasoned pro, be sure to read on as we take a look at some of the most common hiking injuries of the foot and ankle.
Achilles Tendonitis
When you wake up early to hit the trails and feel pain or stiffness above your heel that worsens while you're hiking, Achilles tendonitis might be to blame.
Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury common among hikers — especially those who have suddenly increased their mileage or intensity (like ascending steep terrain).
Pain in the heel and along your Achilles tendon is by far the most common symptom. You may also experience:
Pain that worsens with activity
Stiffness and tenderness in the morning
Swelling or thickening of the tendon
Bone spurs on your heel
Although this condition can be painful, there are several nonsurgical treatment options Dr. Elton and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery may recommend to help reduce discomfort and promote healing. If nonsurgical treatments are unsuccessful in relieving symptoms, surgery may be necessary. However, most people with Achilles tendonitis will experience relief with conservative treatment.
Plantar Fasciitis
You're probably familiar with that feeling of soreness in your feet after a long hike. For some people, this soreness can turn into a very uncomfortable foot condition known as plantar fasciitis, characterized by pain in the bottom of the heel or arch of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. It can be caused by any overuse activity that puts extra stress on the foot — like hiking long distances with a heavy backpack.
The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel area. You might also experience:
Pain in the arch of the foot
Pain and stiffness in the morning
Pain that becomes more intense after being on your feet a lot
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that many people develop, but it can usually be treated effectively with conservative treatments, including stretching exercises, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Learn more about plantar fasciitis treatments.
Ankle Sprains
Between uneven ground, steep descents, rocks, and roots, it's no surprise that ankle sprains are a frequent injury among hikers.
Ankle sprains often occur when the foot rolls to the inside, which stretches or tears the ligaments that support the ankle.
If you're on the trail and suddenly twist or tweak your ankle, here are some signs that you might have sprained it:
Immediate pain in the ankle
Swelling or bruising
Tenderness to the touch
Difficulty putting weight on the foot
It's important to be aware that the symptoms of a severe sprain can be similar to a fracture and should be evaluated by an orthopaedic physician.
Various treatment options are available for ankle sprains, and the best course of action will often depend on the severity of the sprain. Dr. Elton will diagnose your ankle injury and work with you to develop a treatment plan that helps you get back to your hiking bucket list.
Read more about sprained ankle treatments and recovery.
Foot or Ankle Injury While Hiking?
Dr. Elton understands the importance of being able to enjoy the great outdoors in Eagle and Summit County.
If you’re dealing with a sprained ankle, Achilles tendon pain, or other foot and ankle injury, Dr. Elton and his team will work closely with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that gets you back on the trails as soon as possible.
Contact Team Elton today by calling (970) 476-7220 or submitting an online appointment request.